The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has set ambitious goals to significantly reduce Nigeria’s import bill by 25% to $34.7 billion by the year 2030. This strategic target is part of NASENI’s broader mission to foster local manufacturing partnerships, particularly focusing on producing the top 10 imported items within the country.
Additionally, NASENI aims to play a pivotal role in job creation and poverty alleviation, projecting the generation of over three million jobs by 2030 through technology knowledge transfer to more than 300,000 small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Furthermore, the agency aims to uplift 2.5 million people out of poverty within five years through its concerted efforts.
These ambitious projections were unveiled by the Executive Vice Chairman of NASENI, Khalil Halilu, during a media presentation on Wednesday. Highlighting the alarming rise in Nigeria’s import figures, which surged by 66% over the past four years to reach $60.5 billion, Halilu emphasized the disproportionate contribution of SMEs to exports, standing at only 6.21%.
Halilu underscored the urgent need for Nigeria to enhance its industrial and technological productivity, pointing to technology transfer as a key solution. He emphasized that accelerating technology transfer and adaptation across critical sectors could spur economic growth significantly.
In line with its objectives, NASENI has embarked on various strategic initiatives. It has partnered with the Rural Electrification Agency to deploy renewable energy technologies, particularly solar resources, to illuminate rural areas in Nigeria. Moreover, the agency has secured a substantial $150 million investment for a battery factory from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), signaling confidence in Nigeria’s industrial potential.
Furthermore, NASENI has initiated collaborations with the police and state governments to rehabilitate broken-down vehicles, aiming to save billions of naira annually on vehicle purchases. Under this initiative, NASENI plans to repair the vehicles provided by the police and state governments, with the latter retaining 80% of the repaired vehicles for operational use. Additionally, NASENI will refurbish tractors belonging to state governments, with a portion allocated for sale to farmers, facilitating agricultural productivity.
In conclusion, NASENI’s strategic vision and initiatives hold promise for driving economic growth, fostering technological advancement, and reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imports. Through concerted efforts and innovative partnerships, NASENI aims to chart a path towards sustainable development and prosperity for the nation.
