Nigeria Must Build Local Capacity to Lead Africa’s Clean Energy Future – NASENI Boss
By Pan Afric Reporters
Says innovation, local manufacturing key to driving Africa’s energy transition and industrial growth
A new strategy focused on building indigenous capacity, commercialising innovation and expanding local manufacturing is critical if Nigeria is to emerge as Africa’s leader in the clean energy revolution, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, has declared.
The position was contained in a statement issued by NASENI and shared on its official communication platform.
Speaking at the Mustapha Abdullahi Energy Leadership Fellowship, Halilu stressed that Nigeria must move beyond dependence on imported technologies by investing in the skills, industries and innovations that will power the continent’s future.
According to him, sustainable leadership in the global energy sector cannot be achieved merely by adopting clean energy technologies but by developing the capacity to design, manufacture and commercialise them locally.
“Clean energy is about more than deploying technologies. Lasting progress requires the ability to design, manufacture and commercialise the technologies that will power the future,” Halilu said.
The NASENI chief explained that the agency is already implementing this vision through its strategic framework built on Creation, Collaboration and Commercialisation, which he said is accelerating local manufacturing, transforming research outcomes into market-ready products, and creating industries capable of generating employment and driving economic growth.
He noted that the strategy is positioning Nigeria to become a major player in Africa’s industrial and clean energy transformation while reducing dependence on foreign technology.
Halilu expressed confidence that Nigeria possesses the human capital, technical expertise and innovative talent required to lead the continent’s transition to sustainable energy, urging policymakers, researchers, investors and industry stakeholders to channel greater attention towards building indigenous industries.
“Nigeria possesses the talent needed to become a continental leader in clean energy and industrial development. Our focus must be on building the industries that will power Africa’s future,” he said.
He maintained that strengthening local innovation ecosystems and expanding domestic manufacturing capacity would not only support the country’s clean energy ambitions but also enhance economic diversification, create jobs and improve Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global technology and industrial landscape.
The NASENI boss reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to promoting innovation-driven industrialisation as part of efforts to unlock what he described as Nigeria’s “infinite possibilities” in science, engineering and sustainable development.
