The CEO of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Khalil Suleiman, has been instrumental in charting the course towards President Tinubu’s ambitious Marshall Plan for Africa.
Under Suleiman’s leadership, NASENI has been at the forefront of Nigeria’s push toward industrialization. From its headquarters, the agency is driving groundbreaking projects that tackle real-world issues.
In a few weeks, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will once again take the global stage at the United Nations General Assembly, bringing Africa’s future into sharp focus. His previous address called for a new Marshall Plan—a 21st-century strategy for Africa’s economic growth and development. This vision, modeled after the post-WWII European recovery effort, emphasized collaboration and leveraging homegrown solutions to solve Africa’s unique challenges.
One standout project is NASENI’s tractor refurbishment initiative, which seeks to modernize Nigeria’s agriculture sector. With over 36.9 million hectares of farmland but fewer than 7,000 tractors, Nigeria’s agricultural productivity has long been stunted. NASENI’s program is not just about upgrading equipment—it’s a holistic approach to empowering the country’s 38 million smallholder farmers, enhancing their efficiency, reducing poverty, and fostering economic growth. NASENI has developed 35 market-ready innovations, ranging from affordable solar lamps to cutting-edge agricultural technologies designed to boost food security and improve energy access.
Another significant project is NASENI’s electric vehicle (EV) initiative, which aims to convert millions of Nigerian cars from petrol and diesel to cleaner forms of energy like electric and compressed natural gas (CNG). With an ambitious plan to transform 15 petrol and diesel cars into CNG-powered vehicles every two hours, NASENI is rewriting Nigeria’s energy narrative. Additionally, the construction of a lithium-ion battery factory represents more than just infrastructure—it’s a symbol of Nigeria’s potential to lead the charge in sustainable transportation and innovation.
Beyond the large-scale industrial projects, NASENI recognizes that true progress depends on human capital development. At the agency’s Innovation Hub and HatchBox, new minds are nurtured to foster a culture of inquiry and invention. This focus on intellectual capital mirrors the ethos of the original Marshall Plan, which was about rebuilding not just infrastructure but also the people and institutions that would sustain long-term growth.
NASENI’s efforts align with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 9 (industry, innovation, and infrastructure), SDG 7 (affordable and clean energy), and SDG 13 (climate action). By driving technological advancements and fostering innovation, NASENI is helping Nigeria reduce its dependence on foreign technology and create sustainable growth pathways for future generations.
In just the past year, NASENI has secured $3.25 billion in investments and launched several pivotal projects, including the development of Made-In-Nigeria laptops and mobile devices. These initiatives are gradually shifting Nigeria from a position of reliance on foreign technology to one of influence and leadership on the global stage.
By partnering with the private sector, NASENI is not competing but complementing efforts to build a new economic ecosystem in Nigeria. This partnership-driven approach ensures that the industrialization process is both inclusive and sustainable, benefiting the entire nation.
As President Tinubu prepares for his next address at the UN General Assembly, the vision of his proposed Marshall Plan for Africa is already being implemented. NASENI’s initiatives, led by Khalil Suleiman, reflect a commitment to long-term, systemic change. This is not just about pouring resources into the continent; it’s about creating smart partnerships that drive sustainable development across Africa.
Suleiman’s approach as CEO of NASENI emphasizes that Africa’s untapped potential is not a distant concept but a reality unfolding in real time. As Nigeria takes bold steps toward realizing Tinubu’s vision, NASENI is at the forefront, ensuring that the transformation is practical, achievable, and enduring.
In his own words, “we are not passive observers of this transformation but are actively steering its course.” Through NASENI’s work, Africa is not only preparing for its Marshall Plan moment—it is leading the charge.
