Khalil Halilu, Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), is taking bold steps to commercialize Nigerian innovations. With strong support from the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Halilu boosts innovation commercialisation in Nigeria through a new policy framework. The goal is to help local innovators turn ideas into market-ready products.
The newly launched policy focuses on sustainable technologies, especially in renewable energy, agriculture, and digital tools. It aims to connect scientific inventions with industry and improve production capacity for Nigerian startups. Halilu stated that innovation must go beyond the lab and make a real economic impact.
During the policy rollout event, Halilu emphasized the need for a strong ecosystem where government agencies, investors, and innovators collaborate. SMEDAN played a key role in aligning the framework with the needs of micro, small, and medium enterprises. This alignment is crucial because many SMEs struggle with funding and market access despite having promising products.
Halilu boosts innovation commercialisation in Nigeria by ensuring innovators receive the support they need. He wants them to access affordable financing, reliable manufacturing, and business mentorship. SMEDAN is providing these resources and building the capacity of entrepreneurs through its innovation hubs.
The partnership between NASENI and SMEDAN reflects a unified national strategy. It focuses on job creation, self-reliance, and sustainable industrial development. By supporting local innovators, the two agencies are also helping Nigeria reduce its dependence on imported technology.
According to Halilu, innovation means nothing unless it solves real problems. He said the new policy will help convert inventions into scalable solutions. Many of these solutions will address challenges in clean energy, food security, and digital inclusion. That is why the agency is focusing on practical implementation and not just policy talk.
The framework provides guidelines on licensing, intellectual property rights, and revenue sharing. It encourages inventors to protect their work and earn from it. At the same time, it encourages businesses to adopt and invest in local technology. SMEDAN is helping small firms navigate these processes and meet regulatory requirements.
Stakeholders have welcomed the move and praised Halilu’s clear direction. Many experts say the commercialisation policy is timely. Nigeria needs to boost domestic production, and innovation is the fastest path to growth. SMEDAN’s involvement has added credibility and technical depth to the rollout.
Both NASENI and SMEDAN have started working on pilot projects. These will help test the policy framework and identify what works best in various sectors. Halilu believes results will come quickly if everyone remains focused.
Khalil Halilu and SMEDAN are setting a new standard for how innovation is managed and scaled in Nigeria. Their work promises to unlock opportunities for local businesses and drive the economy forward. With this new policy in place, Nigerian-made technologies may finally find their place in the global market.
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