NASENI rural empowerment program launches in Abia with clean tech focus

April 9, 2025 – Nigeria’s National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has officially extended its Sustainable Empowerment Programme (NSEP) to rural communities in Abia State, marking a strategic push to bridge laboratory innovation with grassroots economic activity through clean technology.

The launch event, held at Uma Ukpai Memorial Primary School in Asaga, Ohafia, drew government officials, development partners, and local entrepreneurs. NASENI Executive Vice Chairman Khalil Halilu emphasized that the program is designed to “move science and engineering out of laboratories and directly into the hands of ordinary Nigerians” to stimulate job creation and local innovation. He noted that Abia was chosen for its vibrant entrepreneurial culture, particularly in small-scale manufacturing and trade.

Halilu outlined NASENI’s three-pillar agenda—creation, collaboration, and commercialisation—stressing that success will be measured by tangible outcomes: businesses strengthened, jobs supported, and locally adapted technologies adopted. The NSEP will provide training in clean energy systems, plastic recycling, solar assembly, and digital fabrication, targeting unemployed youth and women in rural areas.

Dr. Armstrong Takang, Managing Director of the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), praised President Bola Tinubu and Governor Alex Otti for prioritizing infrastructure development. He disclosed that his agency has facilitated plans to deploy Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses and electric vehicles to Umuahia, the state capital, within the coming months. Additionally, a digital facility will be established in Asaga to support tech education and remote work opportunities.

Obinna Odum, Director-General of the Greater Ohafia Development Authority (GODA), pledged full collaboration to scale the program across all 17 local government areas of Abia State. “This is not just a pilot; it’s a blueprint for rural industrialization,” Odum said.

What this means for the US market: While the program is domestically focused, it mirrors American efforts to deploy clean energy in underserved communities—such as the U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Improvement in Rural or Remote Areas (ERA) program. NASENI’s partnership with MOFI to introduce CNG and electric vehicles also aligns with global trends in alternative transport, potentially opening doors for U.S. clean-tech firms interested in Nigeria’s growing off-grid and e-mobility sectors. American companies specializing in solar home systems, battery storage, and microgrids may find alignment with NASENI’s local procurement and training models.

Observers note that Nigeria’s push for locally manufactured clean tech—rather than relying solely on imports—could reduce costs and create a replicable model for other developing economies. The program’s emphasis on collaboration between federal agencies, state governments, and development authorities signals a more coordinated approach to infrastructure than previous efforts.

Background: NASENI, established in 1992, is Nigeria’s premier agency for indigenous technology development. The NSEP, launched in 2024, has already trained over 10,000 people in fields such as solar panel assembly, drone maintenance, and 3D printing. The Abia expansion is part of a broader plan to reach all 36 states by 2027.

Looking ahead: The first cohort of 200 trainees will begin a six-month program in May 2025, with modules designed by Nigerian engineers and adapted from international best practices. Graduates will receive starter toolkits and access to micro-loans channeled through MOFI. If successful, the model could be scaled to other states, including those with less industrial capacity.

This article has been updated to reflect the official launch date and includes analysis of its relevance to U.S. clean energy stakeholders.