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The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has made another significant move to enhance Nigeria’s technology and innovation landscape by organizing a carefully planned Inter-agency Competition and Awards, with the agency allocating a substantial ₦140 million grant for the participants.

This program aims to enhance the dedication of government employees in supporting the promotion of native technology and innovation as a key approach to minimizing over-reliance on imports and boosting domestic production.

The competition is expected to inspire employees of Federal Government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), and it was launched through a roadshow held in Abuja on Monday, January 13, 2026. The display of unity and excitement is already evident among the agencies, which have shown their readiness to take full part in the event.

This is one of many efforts led by the Executive Vice Chairman of NASENI, Khalil Suleiman Halilu, over the past two years, which have revitalized the Agency and positioned it as a central point for cooperation not only with related agencies but also with global organizations, aiming to significantly industrialize Nigeria and promote the commercialization of the nation’s products to enhance their competitiveness in the international market.

Hence, NASENI, which has the legal mandate “to develop and maintain a vibrant infrastructure to promote Nigeria’s local industrialization, employment generation, and national development for the nation,” has emerged as the most effective platform to advance this Inter-Agency Innovation Competition & Awards.

The contest will effectively utilize and leverage the innovations from different federal MDAs to encourage teamwork and originality for the nation’s progress and advancement.

The tour, organized by the Standing Committee on NASENI Inter-Agency Innovation Competition, started at the Old Federal Secretariat Complex in Area 1 Garki, Abuja, and ended at the New Federal Secretariat Complex in Eagle Square. It showcased the determination and shared commitment of civil servants to contribute to the significant initiative aimed at making Nigeria a global center for innovation and productivity.

The roadshow aimed not only to raise awareness among civil servants in different federal ministries and parastatals about participating in the competition, but also served as a gathering of brilliant minds and a pool of talented individuals who are determined to help Nigeria succeed in various fields, thereby improving the nation’s standing in the innovation and creative sectors and involving its citizens in accordance with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Committee members wearing NASENI-branded athletic clothing toured different offices in the Secretariat buildings, interacting with employees and handing out brochures with essential details about the initiative, their promotion efforts, and awareness campaigns, drawing in thousands of government workers interested in learning more about the innovation contest.

The Chairman of the Inter-Agency Innovation Competition Assessment and Award Committee, along with the Director of Manufacturing Services at NASENI, Engr. Dr. Olasupo Olayode, made remarks immediately following the event, emphasizing that the competition is designed for employees of Federal MDAs who possess numerous creative ideas that can be transformed into solutions to tackle national issues.

He pointed out that NASENI is dedicated to advancing local technology and innovation as a key approach to minimizing over-reliance on imports and enhancing the growth of domestic capabilities, stating, “there is significant potential within the federal government workforce, and NASENI will not want their skills to be lost upon retirement.”

“By working together, we can tap into our country’s potential by promoting advancements in science, engineering, and technology. Participate in this initiative by submitting your entry,” he stated, emphasizing that the Federal Government, under its Renewed Hope Agenda, is committed to utilizing talents to create a modern and industrialized Nigeria.

To showcase the core of the event, an application portalhttps://naseni.gov.ng/innovation/is currently accepting applications, with eligible candidates set to receive a ₦140 million grant designated for this program.

Based on the strong determination of the NASENI head to elevate Nigeria to a higher stage, he has provided significant backing and emphasized the Agency’s commitment to boost activities in research, creativity, partnership, and the application of technology to advance Nigeria’s industrial growth.

Key government departments and organizations that were part of the awareness campaign comprised the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment; the Ministry of Interior; the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA); the Federal Ministry of Health; and the Federal Ministry of Education, along with other entities.

This particular effort by the MDAs aims to leverage creative concepts that can promote technological progress and tackle significant issues confronting the country among government employees.

The MDAs personnel are required to suggest creative approaches across different areas such as health, farming, learning, and building, utilizing science and technology to boost government service effectiveness and raise the standard of living for citizens in Nigeria.

The enthusiasm for the competition is already strong among federal MDAs, and it is set to be an occasion where they can showcase their energy, skills, creativity, and efficiency for the nation’s benefit.

In this context, the leadership of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), a government-related organization under the Federal Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI), has pledged that its employees will take part in the Inter-Agency Innovation Competition.

It was revealed last Friday, January 9, 2025, as the Chairman of the Inter-Agency Innovation Competition, Engr. Dr. Olayode Olasupo, also serving as Director of the Manufacturing Services Department at NASENI, accompanied other committee members on an awareness trip to the NASDRA headquarters in Abuja.

Welcoming the team, Director-General of NASRDA Dr. Matthew Olumide Adepoju, represented by the Director of Mission Planning and Data Management at NASDRA, Dr. Alaga Aboyomi, stated that the Agency was pleased with the visit and would ensure that its staff submit applications for the innovation contest.

Other participants in the NASENI Inter-Agency Innovation competition are: Senior State Counsel, Barr. Abdulkarim Abdullahi; Director of Information New Media and Protocol, NASENI, Mr. Olusegun Ayeoyenikan; Dr. Okesola Abayomi; Head of ICT at NASENI, Dr. Kehinde Samuel Ajakaiye, and Member, Chairman of the Technical Staff Association of NASENI, Engr. Dr. Sayeed Shuaibu.

The emphasis under the NASENI CEO is on locally developed innovations as key routes to Nigeria’s desire for industrial growth, as NASENI pursues creative solutions that align with its 3Cs model to ensure that the creativity and skills within the workforce are not overlooked, and that all MDAs have such personnel in large numbers.

Several initiatives, including the Inter-agency Innovation Competition, InnovateNaija, the NASENI Research Commercialization Grant Programme, FutureMakers, and the NASENI Innovation Hub, aim to transform into tangible products, items, and services.

Assisting, the Director of Space Regulation and Spectrum Management, Engr. Dr. Aiyeola Sikiru Yommy, voiced his backing for the project, noting that it is well-timed for Federal Government MDAs and will promote involvement from NASRDA employees. The level of competition is strong, the objective is significant, and the energy among the MDAs is truly inspiring.

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Tagged: Innovation, Nigeria, West Africa

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