Photo: (r-l)Mr. Mayowa Oludare, Editor in Chief, Global Financial Digest (Moderator); Mr. Tunde Kamali, Director, Office of of the Director General, representing Dr. Emomotimi Agama, Director General, Security and Exchange Commission (SEC); Prof. Yaqub Jameelah Omolara, Head of Department of Economics, Lagos State University (LASU); Prof. Diran Akinleye, Head of Department of Economics, University of Lagos (UNILAG); and Mr Tunji Jimoh, Zonal Controller, Lagos, representing Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) during the panel discussion at the WorldStage Economic Summit (WES) 2014 at Ibis Hotel, Lagos on Wednesday, September 25, 2024.
By Our Reporter
National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has listed four opportunities for fast-tracking industrialization by Nigeria to include Leveraging Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), Investment in local manufacturing, Green Technologies, and Digital Transformation.
Khalil Suleiman Halilu, Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive in a presentation titled “Fast-Tracking Industrialization Through Science and Engineering Infrastructure” at the WorldStage Economic Summit (WES) 2014 on Wednesday, September 25, 2024 in Lagos, said collaborative efforts between the government, private sector, and research institutions are essential for driving technological advancements while PPPs can leverage resources, expertise, and funding to accelerate innovation and industrial growth.
Represented by Ibrahim Dauda Coordinating Director F&A of NASENI, the EVC said, “Developing local industries can create jobs, reduce imports, and boost the economy. Investing in local manufacturing capabilities strengthens the domestic industrial base and reduces reliance on foreign goods.”
As for Green Technologies, he said adopting sustainable technologies was crucial for long-term industrial growth as green technologies minimize environmental impact, promote resource efficiency, and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Moreover, Halilu said, digital transformation entails harnessing the power of artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and automation in industries to enhance efficiency, productivity, and competitiveness. Digital transformation is essential for staying ahead in the global marketplace.
At the WES 2024 with the theme: ‘Nigeria: Setting a Stage For Business And Economic Recovery’ Halilu described industrialization as a cornerstone of national development, driving economic growth, creating jobs, and improving living standards.
“Science and engineering play a pivotal role in this process, serving as the foundation for innovation, production efficiency, and technological advancements,” he said.
“The benefits of industrialization are in employment generation, poverty reduction, improved living standard, improved economic growth and development, balance of payment stability, self-reliance, stimulation of other sectors of the economy, and development of skilled manpower.”
At the WES 2024 which also attracted top executives and academicians including Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC); Dr. Emomotimi Agama, Director General, Security and Exchange Commission (SEC); Prof Diran Akinleye, Head of Department of Economics, University of Lagos (UNILAG); Prof Yaqub Jameelah Omolara, Head of Department of Economics, Lagos State University (LASU), the NASENI boss said agency was at the forefront of advancing Nigeria’s science and engineering sectors to propel industrial growth and the role of science and engineering infrastructure Innovation hub, Technology transfer, and skilled workforce.
“Establishing centers for research and development in engineering, material science, and technology is crucial for fostering innovation. These hubs act as catalysts for groundbreaking discoveries and technological breakthroughs, driving industrial progress,” he said.
“Encouraging partnerships between academia, government, and private industries is essential for bridging the gap between research and practical application. This collaboration fosters innovation by facilitating the transfer of knowledge and technologies from research institutions to the industrial sector.
“Investing in education, training and retraining programs to produce skilled engineers, scientists, and technologists is paramount. A well-trained workforce is essential for implementing innovative technologies, driving productivity, and ensuring the success of industrialization efforts.”
He said NASENI as the only on-purpose built intervention agency of the Federal Government under the Presidency whose mandate include nurturing an appropriate and dynamic Science and Engineering infrastructure base for achieving home initiated and home sustained industrialization for Nigeria is ready support any innovative idea from Nigerians.
“NASENI is established with similar template like its contemporaries in the diaspora used for industrial development such as Standard and Industrial Research Institute of Malaysia (SIRIM), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) Thailand, Badan Pengkajian dan Penerapan Teknologi (BPPT) Indonesia, Government Technology Agency (GovTech) of Singapore,” he said.
Already, he said NASENI was making Contributions and Future Strategies in the areas of R&D and Innovation, Capacity Building Programs, Policy Support and Advocacy, Energy,
“NASENI is actively involved in research and development projects in areas such as renewable energy, automation, and advanced manufacturing. These projects aim to develop innovative technologies and solutions for industrial applications,” he said.
He listed some of NASENI commercialized products to include NASENI 14-inch Professional Laptop, NASENI Electric KEKE, NASENI IP66 200W Solar Light, NASENI Android Smartphone, NASENI 10-inch Android Tablet, NASENI Solar Irrigation Pump, NASENI ENERGY SAVING LED LIGHT, NASENI SOLAR GENERATOR.
With a vision of a technologically advanced and industrialized Nigeria, where science and engineering drive economic prosperity and societal progress, he said the agency was committed to playing a pivotal role in realizing this vision.
“Continuous investment in science and engineering is crucial for sustainable industrial growth,” he said.
“By prioritizing research, development, and innovation, Nigeria can unlock its full potential and achieve a brighter future.”