Khalil Halilu, the visionary Executive Vice Chairman of Nigeria’s National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), is spearheading an ambitious initiative aimed at leveraging Nigeria’s talent to meet its technological needs. In a groundbreaking partnership with Imose Technologies Ltd, Halilu recently unveiled a range of made-in-Nigeria laptops and tablets. This initiative is a significant step toward reducing the nation’s dependence on imported electronics while fostering local innovation.
According to a statement from NASENI’s Deputy Director of Information, Chima Akwaja, these locally made devices are specifically designed for Nigerian consumers, featuring functionalities that cater to students, professionals, and businesses. Halilu’s vision for NASENI is both simple and powerful: to transform the agency into a leader in Nigeria’s technological revolution. “We’re reimagining NASENI as a key player in advancing technology in Nigeria by adopting, adapting, and domesticating state-of-the-art technologies,” Halilu stated. This vision aligns closely with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, a policy focused on strengthening the tech landscape and local industry in Nigeria.
Central to this partnership is the mission to create a national brand that reflects Nigerian identity and pride. Halilu envisions a future where every household in Nigeria owns a NASENI product, ranging from tablets to laptops and beyond. “Our goal is to establish a national brand that is present in every Nigerian household,” he emphasized, highlighting the extensive ambition driving NASENI’s initiatives.
The project is anchored in NASENI’s principles of Collaboration, Creation, and Commercialization, known as the 3Cs. Through partnerships with innovative organizations like Imose, NASENI aims to close Nigeria’s longstanding technology gap. “This is a strategic move that aligns perfectly with NASENI’s 3Cs principles,” Halilu noted, stressing the importance of reducing reliance on foreign imports. By supporting local manufacturers and fostering a thriving tech ecosystem, this effort contributes to the diversification of the national economy.
Imose Technologies Chairman Osayi Izedonmwen expressed enthusiasm for this collaboration, mentioning that Imose has dedicated the past decade to addressing Nigeria’s unique challenges through locally produced devices. “For ten years, we have focused on solving Nigerian problems by supporting the local production of mobile and computer devices,” Izedonmwen stated.
He believes this partnership will not only bridge the digital divide but also enhance access to technology for education and the workplace.
Manufacturing these devices domestically represents more than just a milestone in production; it is a strategic move toward job creation and economic resilience. NASENI and Imose Technologies are paving the way for self-sufficiency, reducing dependence on imports, and invigorating the local economy with skilled tech jobs.
