NASENI affirms research commercialisation central to Nigeria’s economic growth

*Khalil Suleiman Halilu, Executive Vice-Chairman and CEO of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure, restates that research commercialisation remains central to economic development in Nigeria

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, Executive Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of Nigeria’s National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), has reaffirmed that research commercialisation remains central to Nigeria’s economic development.

Halilu stated this while speaking at the North-Central Sensitisation Programme on the NASENI Research Commercialisation Grant Programme (NRCGP), held on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at the Agency’s Headquarters, in Abuja, FCT.

The EVC/CEO of NASENI stressed the importance of addressing financial and administrative setbacks often faced by research projects.

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Represented at the event by Prof. Abdulmalik Ibrahim Onuwe, Research Director at the agency, Halilu also disclosed that the NRCGP was designed to support viable research and development initiatives in the country, which also propagates NASENI’s mission and vision.

According to him, the application process is fully digitalised, transparent, and does not require physical presence or long administrative procedures.

Mr. Olusegun Ayeoyenikan, Director of New Media and Protocol at NASENI, quoted Halilu to have said: “This sensitisation is not just for personal benefit but also to empower prospective researchers from institutes who may seek guidance about the programme.”

The NASENI Chief Executive urged the participants, including representatives from universities, the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), National Space Research and Development Agency (NSRDA), among others to take full advantage of the opportunities provided by NASENI to foster collaboration and innovation in Nigeria.

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Presenting an overview of the NRCGP, Engr. Dr. Anas Balarabe Yazid, Programme Coordinator and Special Adviser to the EVC on Science and Engineering Commercialisation, highlighted the objectives, eligibility criteria, and key assessment tools of the programme.

Dr. Yazid explained the grant aligned with NASENI’s mandate to promote local content, noting that under the NASENI principle of Creation, Collaboration and Commercialisation (3Cs), it is being radically prioritised.

He also stated: “Every research project must be noble, clear, market-viable, and align with NASENI’s transformation agenda and Nigeria’s broader development goals.”

In her vote of thanks, Ms. Joy Elugbe, Deputy Director, Planning and Policy Analysis at NASENI, expressed appreciation to the EVC/CEO of the agency and participants.

Elugbe encouraged researchers to embrace NASENI’s initiatives as a pathway to national progress.