NASENI Honours Outstanding Staff, Credits Workforce for Agency’s Rapid Transformation
By Pan Afric Reporters
The Executive Vice Chairman of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, has attributed the agency’s remarkable transformation to the dedication, innovation and professionalism of its workforce, saying its growing achievements in technology and industrial development are driven by committed staff.
The disclosure was contained in a press statement issued by the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) and signed by its Deputy Director of Information, Mr. Chima Akwaja, on Saturday.
Speaking at the 2025 NASENI Staff Motivation and Reward Event in Abuja, Halilu described the ceremony as more than an awards presentation, saying it was a celebration of the men and women whose hard work continues to position the agency at the forefront of Nigeria’s industrial and technological advancement.
“Tonight is more than an award ceremony. It is a celebration of the people behind NASENI’s transformation. Behind every innovation, every partnership and every achievement are dedicated staff whose commitment has made our progress possible,” Halilu said.
The NASENI chief acknowledged that although the event was held later than planned, recognising excellence remained important regardless of timing.
He said the agency had undergone a fundamental transformation under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, evolving into a performance-driven institution anchored on its strategic pillars of Creation, Collaboration and Commercialisation (3Cs).
According to him, the 3Cs framework has continued to guide NASENI’s efforts in developing indigenous technologies, forging strategic partnerships and commercialising innovations capable of improving the lives of Nigerians.
Highlighting the agency’s achievements in 2025, Halilu disclosed that NASENI had developed more than 44 commercially viable Made-in-Nigeria products, including laptops, smartphones, solar-powered irrigation pumps and electric tricycles.
He also announced the ongoing construction of the 40-hectare NASENI Solar Industrial Park in Gora, Nasarawa State, describing it as Africa’s largest clean energy manufacturing hub upon completion.
The Executive Vice Chairman further revealed that the agency’s Developing Engineering Leaders Through Her (DELT-Her) initiative awarded more than ₦229 million in grants to female engineers to promote innovation and expand opportunities for women in engineering.
Halilu added that NASENI’s Irrigate Nigeria Programme and Agricultural Machinery Institutes had created more than 30,000 direct and indirect jobs, while the agency’s Zero Carbon Project and electric mobility initiatives were supporting Nigeria’s transition to cleaner and more sustainable technologies.
He congratulated the award recipients and encouraged staff members who were not recognised this year to remain committed, assuring them that every contribution was vital to the agency’s overall success.
The event featured the presentation of awards to outstanding employees across various departments.
Among the departmental winners were Mr. Salisu Mohammed (Finance and Accounts), Engr. Dr. Abayomi Okeshola (Technology Business Development), Shakir Owodunni (Administration and Human Resources), Mr. Asake Michael (Information), Engr. Odii Emmanuel (Manufacturing Services), Engr. Mrs. Ugochi Chimaduruaku (Technical Services), Engr. Aliyu Tahir Ahmed (Environmental Engineering), Mr. Usman Ahmadu (Natural and Physical Science), Dr. Mrs. Sherifat Adeleye (Nano Science), Miss Anita Egar (Research and Laboratory), Mr. Christopher Okpanachi (Procurement), Mrs. Ahmed Bilkisu (Planning and Policy), Barrister Lilian O. Utaka (Office of the Executive Vice Chairman), and Mr. Abbas Suleiman (Audit).
Other award recipients included Mr. Abdullah Mohammed, who emerged as Driver of the Year, Barrister Hussaina Shehu, who won the Overall Staff of the Year Award, while Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu received the Staff Choice Award.
