Halilu Rallies NASENI Workforce, Charts Bold Innovation Path for 2026

In a renewed demonstration of inclusive leadership and institutional transparency, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, has commended the Agency’s workforce for what he described as uncommon dedication, resilience and professionalism in advancing Nigeria’s science, technology and engineering aspirations.

Speaking at NASENI’s Townhall Meeting held on Thursday, January 15, 2026, Mr. Halilu used the platform not only to acknowledge staff contributions but also to take stock of achievements recorded under his stewardship, while unveiling ambitious targets and reform initiatives that will shape the Agency’s trajectory in 2026 and beyond.

The meeting, which brought together Coordinating Directors, Research Directors, Heads of Departments, special assistants to the EVC, union leaders and staff from across the Agency systemwide, served as both a performance review and a strategic engagement forum. It also reinforced Management’s resolve to entrench a culture of participation, innovation and shared responsibility within NASENI.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Halilu expressed appreciation to staff at all levels for sustaining the momentum despite the complex operating environment facing public institutions in Nigeria. “I am deeply encouraged by the level of commitment and professionalism demonstrated by our staff. Your resilience and dedication have been instrumental in expanding NASENI’s impacts across critical sectors of the Nigerian economy,” he said.

According to him, the Agency’s growing relevance in areas such as agriculture, renewable energy, health, agriculture, digital technology, engineering infrastructure and industrial innovation is largely a reflection of the collective efforts of its workforce. He stressed that no leadership vision can succeed without the buy-in, creativity and discipline of staff who translate policy into tangible outcomes.

Beyond commendation, the EVC/CEO used the Townhall Meeting to reinforce his administration’s open-door policy, urging staff to freely express concerns, offer constructive feedback and proactively flag potential challenges before they escalate.

He emphasized that effective problem-solving within a complex institution like NASENI requires foresight, collaboration and a shared sense of responsibility across all levels of governance and administration.

“Leadership is not about avoiding difficult decisions. It is about taking responsibility for them, even when they are uncomfortable, in the interest of institutional growth,” Halilu noted. “I urge every member of staff to approach their duties with sincerity, professionalism and a positive mindset. Together, we can strengthen teamwork and improve service delivery.”

This emphasis on inclusivity and transparency, staff members noted, has helped to build trust between Management and staff, fostering a sense of ownership of NASENI’s mandate and programmes.

During the interactive session that followed the EVC’s address, senior management staff, union leaders and researchers took turns highlighting achievements recorded under the current leadership. These, they said, cut across innovation development, digital migration, technology transfer, agriculture, renewable energy, manufacturing and job creation.

Participants cited the Agency’s growing portfolio of technology transfer agreements with private sector players as a major milestone, helping to bridge the long-standing gap between research outputs and commercial application. Through these agreements, several locally developed technologies are gradually finding their way into the market, supporting local manufacturing and reducing dependence on imported solutions.

In agriculture, NASENI’s interventions through its institutes have continued to deliver improved machinery, processing equipment and post-harvest solutions aimed at boosting productivity and reducing losses. Staff pointed to the Agriculture Machinery and Equipment Development Institute (AMEDI), Lafia, as a model of how research-driven infrastructure can support food security and agribusiness development.

Renewable energy initiatives, particularly in solar and alternative power solutions, were also highlighted as areas where NASENI has made significant inroads, providing off-grid energy solutions for communities and supporting small and medium-scale enterprises.

Union leaders noted that beyond technical outputs, the Agency has also contributed to job creation through skills development programmes, fabrication projects and partnerships that engage young Nigerians in productive ventures.

Another major highlight of the Townhall discussions was NASENI’s progress in digital migration and internal reforms. Management staff acknowledged improvements in digital processes aimed at enhancing efficiency, transparency and data-driven decision-making.

According to the Secretary to the Agency, STA, Dr. Mrs. Olayinka Adunni Komolafe, the automation of workflows and adoption of digital tools through the deployment of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software have not only improved service delivery but also positioned NASENI to better engage with global innovation networks. This digital shift aligns with the EVC’s vision of transforming NASENI into a modern, agile and impact-driven institution.

Looking ahead, Mr. Halilu outlined a clear roadmap for 2026, anchored on the theme “Get Involved.” Central to this agenda is the deepening of commercialization of research outputs, a long-standing challenge within Nigeria’s research and development ecosystem.

He explained that while NASENI has made progress in developing innovative solutions, the next phase will focus on ensuring that these solutions are scaled, adopted by industry and translated into measurable economic value. “To drive sustainable growth, we must move beyond research for research’s sake. Our innovations must solve real problems, create jobs and contribute to national development,” he said.

Strengthening industry linkages will therefore be a priority, with plans to intensify collaboration with manufacturers, investors and other stakeholders who can help take NASENI’s technologies to market. Staff capacity development also featured prominently in the 2026 outlook.

The EVC reaffirmed Management’s commitment to continuous training and skills upgrading, noting that a knowledge-driven institution must invest in its human capital to remain relevant in a rapidly evolving global technology landscape.

Among the new initiatives unveiled at the Townhall was the plan to provide greenhouses to all NASENI institutes, replicating the model facility at AMEDI, Lafia. This initiative is expected to enhance agricultural research, support year-round cultivation and strengthen NASENI’s contribution to food security and agritech innovation.

Another significant announcement was the establishment of an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Unit at the NASENI Headquarters. According to Mr. Halilu, the AI Unit will serve as a hub for exploring the application of artificial intelligence in engineering, manufacturing, agriculture and other priority sectors.

“This is about positioning NASENI at the forefront of emerging technologies. Artificial intelligence is no longer optional; it is a critical driver of competitiveness in today’s world,” he said. He added that several other projects are in the pipeline, aimed at expanding NASENI’s footprints nationwide and reinforcing its role as a catalyst for industrialisation.

Contributors at the meeting were unanimous in their assessment that NASENI is gradually evolving into an emerging hub for technological advancement and industrial innovation in Nigeria. They attributed this to clearer strategic direction, improved stakeholder engagement and a renewed emphasis on results.

Research Directors highlighted improvements in coordination across institutes, while Heads of Departments noted better alignment between institutional goals and individual performance targets. Union representatives, in particular, praised the leadership for maintaining open communication channels and involving staff in key conversations about the Agency’s future. They noted that this approach has helped to build morale and reduce resistance to change.

Other top officials who spoke at the Townhall Meeting included: Dr. Mrs. Nonyem Onyechi, Coordinating Director, Planning and Business Directorate; Coordinating Director, Finance Directorate, Mr. Ibrahim Baba Dauda; Acting Coordinating Director, Engineering Infrastructure Directorate, Engr. Dr. Agava Abdullahi Rasheed; and Coordinating Director, Science Infrastructure Directorate, Prof Umar Ibrahim Gaya.

Others were: Research Directors- Prof Abdulmalik Ibrahim Onuwe and Dr. Patrick Ikechukwu Okwu; Special Adviser to the EVC on General Matters and Director, Technology Business Development, Engr. Bernard Omeiza Ozigi; Special Assistant on Foreign Matters and Intergovernmental Affairs, Dr. Mohammed Dahiru; and Special Adviser, on Asset Restoration Programme, Engr. Mohammed Yadudu.

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