NASENI’s Clean Energy Initiative Drives SDGs, National Growth – Dr. Tanko Hails CEO’s Award-Winning Efforts

By Emmanuel Kwada

The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) is making remarkable strides in advancing Nigeria’s sustainable development goals through its ambitious clean energy programmes, under the dynamic leadership of Executive Vice Chairman Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu.

Dr. Yahaya Tanko, Technical Assistant to the Executive Vice Chairman, made this assertion while speaking to journalists following NASENI’s receipt of the prestigious Environmental Impact Agency of the Year 2025 award from Leadership Newspaper.

Dr. Tanko hailed the award as a well-deserved recognition of Mr. Halilu’s transformative vision and unwavering commitment to innovation.

“Our innovative and proactive Vice Chairman means business. He is transforming everything at NASENI to drive economic growth,” Dr. Tanko said.

He added that the impacts of Halilu’s leadership are now “visible even to the blind” because of his hard work, earning pride and admiration across the country.

The award ceremony celebrated NASENI’s contributions to environmental sustainability, clean energy, and green industrialisation.

Accepting the honour on behalf of the agency, Mr. Khalil Halilu linked the recognition directly to broader national and global objectives, particularly the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“As part of our support for clean energy and sustainable industrial growth under President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s #RenewedHope Agenda, I received the Environmental Impact Agency of the Year 2025 award on behalf of NASENI from Leadership Newspaper,” Halilu stated.

“This recognition fuels our mission of building a cleaner, more resilient Nigeria through innovation,” Halilu said.

Halilu’s remarks align strongly with several key SDGs. His emphasis on clean energy and zero-carbon solutions directly advances SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

By prioritising renewable sources, NASENI is helping Nigeria reduce dependence on fossil fuels, cut greenhouse gas emissions, and combat climate change—core elements of the Zero Carbon Project (ZeCo).

The ZeCo initiative and the NASENI Solar Industrial Park in Nasarawa State exemplify this commitment. The 40-hectare Solar Industrial Park in Gora is designed to boost local manufacturing of solar components, reducing imports, creating thousands of jobs, and strengthening the domestic clean energy value chain.

This project powerfully supports SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) by building resilient infrastructure and fostering innovation, while also contributing to SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) through employment opportunities and skills development in the green economy.

Mr. Halilu highlighted specific NASENI innovations that are delivering tangible benefits: “Through the Zero Carbon Project (ZeCo) and the NASENI Solar Industrial Park in Nasarawa, we’re expanding renewable energy and local manufacturing capacity.

“From solar irrigation pumps and electric vehicles to clean cookstoves and home solar systems, we’re protecting the environment while driving national development.”

These initiatives resonate across multiple SDGs. Solar irrigation pumps enhance agricultural productivity, supporting SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) by enabling year-round farming and food security, while promoting clean energy access, Dr. Tanko said.

Electric vehicles reduce urban air pollution and transport emissions, aligning with SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and further reinforcing SDG 13.

Clean cookstoves address indoor air pollution—a major health hazard—advancing SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality) by reducing the time women and girls spend collecting firewood. Home solar systems expand electricity access to off-grid communities, directly fulfilling SDG 7 targets for universal energy access, he said.

Dr. Tanko commended Halilu’s proactive approach, noting that the Executive Vice Chairman has repositioned NASENI as a key driver of Nigeria’s green transition.

“The man Khalil means business,” Tanko declared, praising the visible nationwide impacts of Halilu’s reforms. Under his leadership, NASENI has shifted from policy-focused operations to actionable, market-ready innovations that align science and engineering with national development priorities.

Mr. Halilu expressed gratitude to Leadership Newspaper and NASENI’s partners: “Grateful to Leadership Newspaper for this honour and our partners, who are working tirelessly to position NASENI as a driver of clean energy. This strengthens our efforts to keep advancing Nigeria’s green technology future.”

The award comes at a critical time as Nigeria seeks to diversify its energy mix and build climate resilience.

Halilu’s leadership has accelerated technology transfer, local production, and commercialisation of green solutions, creating a multiplier effect on the economy.

By manufacturing solar equipment domestically, NASENI is cutting costs, generating employment, and positioning Nigeria as a regional hub for renewable energy technologies.

Stakeholders have lauded the initiatives for their potential to reduce carbon emissions, improve energy security, and support inclusive growth.

The Solar Industrial Park, for instance, is projected to create thousands of direct and indirect jobs while stimulating related industries such as battery production and assembly.

Mr. Khalil Halilu’s efforts deserve high commendation. In a relatively short period, he has infused NASENI with renewed purpose, aligning its mandate with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and global sustainability targets, Dr. Tanko said.

“His focus on innovation, collaboration, and measurable impact demonstrates visionary leadership that is yielding results—from cleaner environments to empowered communities and a more self-reliant industrial base.”

NASENI’s clean energy drive under Halilu stands as a shining example of how strategic investment in science, engineering, and renewable technologies can simultaneously advance multiple SDGs and propel national development.

“The Environmental Impact Agency award is not just recognition of past achievements but a powerful motivation for even greater strides ahead,” Dr. Tanko concluded.