The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) says it has facilitated 35 made-in-Nigeria products that are ready for commercialisation.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, Khalil Halilu, the agency’s chief executive officer (CEO), said negotiations are ongoing with dealers and distributors to make bulk purchases of the products.
“Since my appointment to spearhead Nigeria’s industrialisation reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, we have been on an accelerated path to drive the eight strategic pillars that anchor his vision for Nigeria,” Halilu said.
“Central to this effort is our accelerated technology transfer and adaptation strategy, an initiative to fast-track our technological advancement.
“Under this strategy, we have rolled out 35 commercially viable products. Each of these products is a technological advancement and a testament to our commitment to sustainable industrial practice and reducing our dependence on imports.
“This, in turn, fuels economic growth. We are no longer going to sit back doing endless research, prototypes and keeping them on the shelves.
“We will take them to the market so that Nigerians can consume them and also for export.”
Halilu said NASENI would inaugurate a showroom in Abuja, the nation’s capital, next year to display the 35 products, which include laptops, electric vehicles, android tablet, CCTV, solar lights, among others.
“As from next year, we will get distributors and bulk buyers for products. When we launch the showroom, Nigerians will also be able to interact with these distributors,” the NASENI CEO added.
“In fact, one of our plans for next year is to have NASENI showrooms in key cities so that they are not just things you see on TV but you can go and walk-in by yourself and experience the products that we have been talking about.
“By focusing on innovation and homegrown solutions, these products contribute to our job creation drive and the growth of Nigeria’s economy.
“Our goal is to support the diversification of the Nigerian economy and strengthen our position in the global technology and manufacturing landscape.”
In March, Halilu said NASENI planned to lift 2.5 million Nigerians out of poverty within five years through technology transfer, reducing import bills by 25 percent to $37.4 billion by 2030.