Khalil Suleiman Halilu, the Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), is taking bold steps to move Nigerian innovations from research to revenue. Through a newly launched policy, NASENI drives innovation commercialisation in Nigeria by helping innovators convert ideas into products that benefit both the economy and society.
The Commercialisation Policy, introduced in Abuja, outlines how NASENI plans to support inventors and startups in bringing their innovations to market. It emphasizes sustainable technologies and industries that can grow quickly. The goal is to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported technologies and strengthen local manufacturing.
Halilu pointed out that Nigeria has many brilliant inventors, but most of their ideas never leave the drawing board. He wants this policy to change that by creating a clear path for innovation to become viable business solutions. NASENI is building connections between researchers, entrepreneurs, and investors.
The new framework explains how innovation-based products can reach both local and global markets through licensing, scaling, and commercialization. It also outlines support for intellectual property protection, business development, and funding. NASENI simplifies these processes to help startups and inventors thrive.
The policy focuses on key sectors such as renewable energy, agriculture, health technology, and engineering. Halilu believes these areas offer urgent and scalable opportunities for national growth. He said Nigeria has underused its innovation potential for too long, and now is the time to change that.
NASENI will offer technical support, business mentorship, and access to manufacturing infrastructure. The agency is also partnering with other government bodies, including SMEDAN, to ensure small and medium enterprises benefit from the policy. Startups will receive guidance on market entry and regulatory requirements.
By building an innovation ecosystem where ideas grow into impactful solutions, NASENI aims to foster a culture of value creation and job generation. Halilu stressed that the agency’s mission is not just about science and research—it’s about creating a self-reliant, productive Nigeria.
This initiative signals a major shift in how Nigeria handles research and development. Instead of allowing reports and prototypes to gather dust, NASENI will now focus on real-world results. The agency will measure success by the number of innovations that reach users and create value.
Industry experts have praised Halilu’s leadership and vision. Many see the policy as forward-thinking and aligned with global best practices. Stakeholders expect it to strengthen collaboration among universities, research centers, and tech hubs.
Pilot projects have already begun testing the policy’s effectiveness. These early efforts will help refine the strategy and adapt it to various regions and industries. NASENI also plans to publish regular progress reports to keep the public informed.
Khalil Halilu is reshaping Nigeria’s innovation landscape with decisive action. His leadership at NASENI is unlocking hidden talent, boosting local industries, and positioning Nigeria as a growing hub for African-made technology.
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