President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on Friday 31st May 2024 in Abuja has disclosed that he is pleased with the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI)’s collaborative approach under Khalil Suleiman Halilu to deliver his administration’s industrialization reform agenda in the country.
President Tinubu, who was represented by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio made the disclosure at the commissioning of the NASENI-Portland Reverse Engineering Centre in FCT’s transportation hub – Utako.
He added that the appointment of Khalil Halilu in the early days of his administration was the first step towards the achievement of his grand vision for Nigeria’s industrialization.
“When I assumed office as President a year ago, I highlighted the mission of our administration to “promote domestic manufacturing and lessen import dependency.” I made this vow fully aware of the boundless potential that our country has to become a continental and global industrial and manufacturing giant.” The President said,
Sitting as the governing board chairman of NASENI, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu mentioned that the agency is central to the realization of his administration’s renewed hope agenda, positioning to drive the science, engineering, and industrial efforts of the Federal Government of Nigeria.
“For me, the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) is a central player in the achievement of that grand vision for Nigeria’s industrialization. That is why it was one of the first agencies of the Federal Government where we put in place a new management team, last year. I appointed Khalil Halilu – the young man with the beard, as I call him-as the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, to spearhead our reform agenda for the agency. I must say I am pleased with the results so far.”
President Tinubu further disclosed he is aware that NASENI, as the leading National brand, is moving from research-based into delivering commercially viable products.
“I am aware that NASENI, under Halilu’s leadership, has made it a priority to move from research and development of prototypes, into delivering commercially available products that will serve consumers in their homes, offices, industries and farms.
“I am convinced that if we get it right with NASENI, we will get Nigeria’s industrialization right. This is the Federal agency that has the mandate and the positioning to drive the science,engineering, and industrial efforts of the Federal Government of Nigeria.”
The President said he would continue to provide oversight and leadership for NASENI’s Strategic Launchpad aspirations, and pledges FG’s transformation of the agency into a model of public sector excellence, and of public-private partnership.