Gbajabiamila Praises NASENI’s Technological Innovations and Contributions to Nigeria’s Economy

Chief of Staff to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, CFR, has expressed admiration for the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) due to its technological advancements, product innovations, and impactful interventions across various sectors of the Nigerian economy.

Gbajabiamila made these remarks during a familiarization visit to the agency on August 22, 2024, where he was accompanied by the Deputy Chief of Staff, Senator Ibrahim Hadeija, and the Permanent Secretary, State House, Engr. Olufunso Adebiyi. The visit was part of ongoing engagements with government agencies to assess their alignment with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

During the visit, Gbajabiamila had the opportunity to test drive NASENI’s electric vehicle pick-up van and explore the agency’s Hatch Box, Innovation Hub, Solar Irrigation Pump, and other new products, including home solar systems, prepaid meters, laptops, smartphones, and batteries.

Reflecting on the visit, Gbajabiamila stated, “I am glad I embarked on this trip. I am glad we are all here to see for ourselves where NASENI is and what it is doing. The whole idea behind this trip was actually to come and hear first-hand, and to see onsite what you are doing, how you are doing it, what the challenges are and so on and so forth.”

He continued, “That way we could get a grip of what needs to be done, whether there are lacunas here and there. I am glad you have demonstrated what you are doing and how you are doing it. I am even happier that there are no challenges from what you said. Quite honestly, I am very impressed with what we have seen and heard.”

Gbajabiamila also commended the efforts of NASENI’s Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, noting that the progress made within just 11 months is a testament to Halilu’s commitment, dedication, and passion. “So, I commend you and the rest of the team,” he added.

Emphasizing the importance of NASENI’s role in Nigeria’s technological future, Gbajabiamila said, “We are in a technology-driven age, and NASENI is one of the agencies of government that are key to President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to put Nigeria among the comity of nations in terms of advancements in science and technology.”

He further highlighted Nigeria’s potential, stating, “I believe we have what it takes as a country, not just material resources but more importantly human resources. People who are sharp, smart, young men and women in this country exist who can deliver in terms of advancement of our technology.”

Earlier in the visit, Halilu detailed the various innovations, interventions, and partnerships NASENI has pursued in recent months to advance technology transfer and support the Renewed Hope Agenda. He noted, “Your Excellency, under your guidance and the leadership of His Excellency, President Tinubu, we have embarked on a transformative journey. This journey is characterized by an accelerated push towards technological independence and industrial growth. It is through your endless support and that of your team that we have been able to make significant strides in achieving these goals.”

The visit underscores NASENI’s critical role in driving technological advancement and economic growth in Nigeria, aligning with the administration’s vision of a technologically independent and industrially robust nation.