By Aliyu Usman, Birnin Kebbi
The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has continued its nationwide advocacy for the promotion of local manufacturing with a strategic roundtable held in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, on Thursday.
The forum, which brought together stakeholders from various sectors, focused on addressing the challenges faced by local manufacturers and the public’s perception of Made-in-Nigeria goods.
Participants at the event pointed out that the fear of poor quality remains a major reason why many Nigerians shy away from patronising locally made products. They called for a robust and sustained public enlightenment campaign to change the negative narrative associated with indigenous goods.
“Many still hold the outdated belief that Made-in-Nigeria goods are fake or substandard. This mindset has to change if we are to achieve true industrial growth,” said one of the contributors at the session.
Speaking at the event, NASENI’s representative, Engr. Muhammad Ndaman, highlighted the agency’s nationwide mandate and its efforts to industrialise Nigeria through strategic innovation, research, and development.
According to him, NASENI currently manages 12 institutes spread across the country, each dedicated to different sectors including science education, agriculture, power, electronics, and manufacturing.
“We have Scientific Development Institutes in Enugu and Minna which fabricate laboratory equipment for both secondary and tertiary institutions. Our Agricultural Machinery Development Institutes are strategically located in Katsina, Kebbi, Ebonyi, and Cross River to support modernised farming techniques,” Ndaman said.
He further revealed that NASENI also oversees the Electrical Development Institute in Kogi and the Electronic Development Institute in Awka, where components such as transformers, inverters, and LED bulbs are produced.
“In the renewable energy space, NASENI Solar Ltd. in Karshi, Abuja, is actively assembling and installing solar energy systems,” he added.
Ndaman commended the leadership of NASENI’s Executive Vice Chairman, Mr. Suleiman Aliyu, who he said introduced the agency’s 3Cs strategy—Creation, Collaboration, and Commercialisation—to drive industrial innovation and economic empowerment.
“NASENI’s core mission is to develop and maintain dynamic strategies that empower local manufacturing, drive indigenous industrialisation, create jobs, and promote national development,” he stated.
A key highlight of the event was the unveiling of a locally assembled hybrid Hilux vehicle developed by NASENI. The vehicle runs on both electricity and petrol and was produced in partnership with a reputable Chinese manufacturing company.
“As part of this collaboration, semi and completely knocked-down parts were shipped from China and assembled in Nigeria by NASENI engineers. Technology transfer is also a key component of the deal, with Nigerian engineers scheduled for further training in China,” Ndaman explained.
Mallam Sani Adamu, a coordinating programme officer and member of the NASENI consulting team, emphasised that similar consultations were ongoing nationwide to gather stakeholder input and address barriers facing local manufacturers.
Also speaking at the event, Engr. Abdulmutallib Abdulkarim of Waziri Umaru Federal Polytechnic and Dr. Badamasi of the Federal University, Birnin Kebbi, urged political leaders to show greater sincerity and commitment in promoting Made-in-Nigeria goods.
They further called on the public to abandon the notion that foreign products are inherently superior and instead support home-grown innovation for national progress.
The roundtable marks another step in NASENI’s mission to create a self-reliant, industrialised Nigeria powered by local solutions.