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NASENI's UniAbuja Agri-Incubation Centre in Line with SDGs' Zero Hunger, No Poverty Mantra – Dr Tanko


By Emmanuel Kwada

The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) is spearheading a transformative push toward Nigeria's food security with its state-of-the-art Agricultural Incubation Centre at the University of Abuja (UniAbuja), Gwagwalada.

This initiative directly supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 1 (No Poverty) and 2 (Zero Hunger), according to Dr. Yahaya Tanko, Technical Assistant to NASENI's Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, Khalil Suleiman Halilu on SDG

Speaking at an SDG event organised by advocacy for food security, Dr. Tanko expressed strong confidence that the NASENI-funded project will serve as a powerful pathway to eradicating poverty and achieving zero hunger by fostering technology-driven agriculture, innovation, and commercial viability.

"The agriculture incubator funded by NASENI is fully in line with SDGs 1 and 2," Dr. Tanko affirmed. "It positions Nigeria to harness science, technology, and innovation (STI) to unlock the full potential of our vast arable land and build a resilient, self-sufficient food system."

Under the visionary leadership of Khalil Halilu over the past two years, NASENI has accelerated innovative projects with rapid implementation.

The UniAbuja centre, spanning 10 hectares on the university campus, integrates poultry production, aquaculture, crop cultivation, and cutting-edge research. When completed, it is poised to become a replicable model across Nigeria's six geopolitical zones.

The facility features a world-class agribusiness training and incubation centre, three commercially sustainable production units including a 10,000-capacity broiler poultry farm, a 10,000-capacity layer poultry farm, and catfish/tilapia aquaculture farms with three 16-metre-diameter tanks projected to yield about 25 tonnes of fish annually.

It also has 10 high-tunnel greenhouses (500 sqm each), a 2.5-hectare net house, and four hectares of open-field farmland supported by drip irrigation.

Additionally, there's a tissue culture laboratory to fast-track seedling production and enhance crop quality, plus supporting infrastructure like six solar-powered boreholes, power storage workshops, irrigation control rooms, and a planned water retention structure for year-round supply.

"The NASENI Agricultural Incubation Centre is designed to make food available and affordable through technology-driven farming, breeding, and research," he said.

"Its placement in a university environment deliberately strengthens R&, knowledge transfer, and innovation.

The United Nations World Food Programme warns that 35 million Nigerians could face acute food insecurity in 2026 without urgent intervention, particularly in the north.

NASENI's initiative addresses these gaps by promoting modernized, tech-infused farming, youth empowerment through training and startups, reduced unemployment, and stronger links between farmers, researchers, investors, and markets.

It aims to boost yields, diversify the economy, commercialize local products, earn foreign exchange, and ease pressure on the naira.

By restoring Nigeria's agro-industrial prowess and driving an agricultural renaissance, NASENI's UniAbuja Agri-Incubation Centre signals a bold new dawn—turning vast untapped potential into sustainable food security, innovation, and prosperity for all Nigerians.

NASENI's Greenhouse Farming Initiatives to Lift 2.5 Million Nigerians Out of Poverty, Cut Import Bills by 25% by 2030 Says Dr Tanko
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‎By Emmanuel Kwada

‎In a bid to conquer hunger crisis, Technical Assistant to the Executive Vice Chairman, National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Dr. Yahaya Tanko has disclosed Mr. Khalil Halilu's plan to transform the nation's food landscape through cutting-edge greenhouse farming.
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‎He made the disclosure recently in Abuja at a high-stakes advocacy workshop organized for women leaders by the International Women Communication Centre (IWCC).
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‎Themed "Food System Strengthening and Capacity Building for Green Trust Women Leaders Towards Improving Green Accountability in Nigeria," the one day program attracted
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‎Centered on the theme "Budgetary Allocation on Food Production to Reduce Hunger," the event aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goal 2: Zero Hunger, aiming to end hunger, achieve food security, and improve nutrition nationwide.
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‎Delivering a keynote address, Dr. Tanko spotlighted NASENI's flagship Irrigate Nigeria Project as the linchpin of this green revolution.
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‎He said, "Our greenhouse farming initiatives under the dynamic leadership of Engr. Khalil will lift 2.5 million Nigerians out of poverty within five years and slash the country's crippling food import bills by 25per cent, that's $37.4 billion saved by 2030.
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‎Also, he emphasized the agency's fusion of modern irrigation, renewable energy, and homegrown tech.
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‎Launched in early 2025, the Irrigate Nigeria Project is already enabling three farming cycles annually through state-of-the-art irrigation infrastructure.
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‎He maintained that the pilot greenhouses at NASENI's Agricultural Machinery and Equipment Development Institute (AMEDI) in Lafia, Nasarawa State, have proven the model's success, paving the way for nationwide rollout.
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‎According to him, the solar-powered pumps, equipped with GPS tracking, mobile-app dashboards, and pay-as-you-go financing, are at the heart of it all.
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‎Speaking further, he said "endorsed by the National Economic Council led by Vice President Kashim Shettima for the 2025 dry-season deployment, these pumps will power both open fields and greenhouses, ditching fossil fuels for clean energy – with NASENI planning to produce 100,000 units and prioritizing greenhouse operators.
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‎"Strategic partnerships are fueling the momentum too. Collaborations with Indonesia for a coal fertilizer factory and the Czech Republic for affordable mini-tractors will ensure greenhouses have all the essential inputs they need.
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‎"A new 10-hectare AMEDI center in Kebbi State will pioneer mechanized farming, seed technology, and hydroponics, while a solar industrial park in Nasarawa State ramps up production of electric vehicles and renewable-energy equipment.
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‎"What makes this vision sustainable is NASENI's clever public-private partnership framework. Farmers repay their support in-kind with crops like rice paddy, steadily building a national food reserve that outlasts government funding. Even better, the solar systems are set to generate carbon credits, giving farmers an extra revenue stream to keep operations humming," he said.
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‎The pilot results, according to Dr. Tanko, speak for themselves validating year-round harvests that are now set for replication across Nigeria's six geopolitical zones.
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‎He however, noted that by 2030, the agency projects creating 3 million jobs through technology transfers to 300,000 small and medium-sized enterprises, all perfectly in sync with President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda on food security, industrialization, and climate resilience.
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‎"Mr Khalil's vision offers a tangible roadmap out of crisis. "This isn't just farming, it's engineering abundance. With women leaders now armed for green accountability, the countdown to Zero Hunger has truly begun," Dr. Tanko said.

We're Not Just Researching, We're Producing: Dr. Tanko on Innovating for Impact - NASENI's SDG Success Stories


In a nation hungry for transformative progress, the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) is rewriting Nigeria’s innovation story under the visionary leadership of its Executive Vice Chairman (EVC), Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu.

Far from the days of research languishing on shelves, NASENI is now a powerhouse of production, delivering tangible, market-ready solutions that align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and position Nigeria as a leader in Africa’s green revolution.

In an exclusive interview, Dr. Yahaya Tanko, Technical Assistant to the EVC on SDGs, shared a compelling account of how NASENI, under Halilu’s dynamic stewardship, is turning bold ideas into real-world impact.

Dr. Tanko, born on July 2, 1982, in Gora town, Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, brings a wealth of expertise to his role. With an HND and B.Sc in Accounting, an M.Sc in Business Administration, a Master’s in Financial Economics, a Ph.D. in Finance, and a Doctorate in Sustainable Development, his academic journey reflects a deep commitment to both financial acumen and sustainable progress.

As an Associate Member of the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN), the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria, the Association of Financial Analysts of Nigeria, and the Nigerian Institute of Management, Dr. Tanko’s 15 years of experience at NASENI have equipped him to bridge cutting-edge technology with Nigeria’s SDG commitments. His appointment by Halilu as Technical Assistant on SDGs leverages his expertise to drive NASENI’s mission forward.

Since assuming office, Khalil Suleiman Halilu has brought electrifying energy to NASENI, blending his background as a global tech entrepreneur with an unrelenting passion for Nigeria’s economic sovereignty.

Dr. Tanko describes Halilu as “Godsent” and “the most performing EVC since NASENI’s creation.” His leadership is anchored in a revolutionary 3Cs principle—Creation, Collaboration, and Commercialization which has propelled NASENI from a research-focused agency to a hub of innovation delivering products directly to Nigerian markets.
“Mr. Halilu is a man who believes in reality, not just theory,” Dr. Tanko enthused. “He’s concerned about Nigeria’s reliance on imports for virtually everything we use. His aggressive push to commercialize NASENI’s products ensures that, soon, our markets will be flooded with made-in-Nigeria solutions, outpacing imports.”

Halilu’s recent conferment as a Fellow of the Nigerian Institution of Mechanical Engineers (NIMechE) underscores his engineering prowess and innovative spirit. “It was no surprise,” Dr. Tanko noted.
“Even before joining the public sector, he designed and produced devices used across Nigeria. In just two years, he’s led NASENI to develop over 15 market-ready products capable of transforming Nigeria’s GDP from developing to developed status.”

Halilu’s visionary approach has earned him accolades, including the Young Global Leader Award from ThisDay Newspaper in January 2025 and a NIMechE fellowship in October 2025.

Revolutionizing Agriculture for Food Security (SDG 2)
A cornerstone of NASENI’s impact under Halilu is the development and nationwide rollout of solar-powered irrigation pumps, designed as an affordable, sustainable alternative to fossil fuel-dependent systems. These pumps eliminate operational costs post-installation, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and enable year-round farming, particularly during the dry season.

The initiative gained pivotal momentum in September 2025 when the National Economic Council (NEC), chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, endorsed mass production and distribution at its 152nd meeting in Abuja.
President Tinubu had previously directed NASENI to scale up to 50,000–100,000 units for state-level deployment on a needs basis. The NEC mandated the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, to secure funding for timely rollout ahead of the 2025 dry-season farming. Vice President Shettima praised the pumps as “proof of Nigerian ingenuity,” noting their readiness to impact food security and rural livelihoods.

This project directly supports SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) by promoting sustainable agriculture and resilient food production systems. Early deployments, such as the Irrigate Nigeria Project in Bauchi State, have already demonstrated increased productivity and income for farmers, with the potential to transform Nigeria’s agricultural output amid climate challenges.

NASENI’s Tractor Recovery Project, part of the broader National Asset Restoration Programme, addresses Nigeria’s acute shortage of functional agricultural machinery. The country requires at least 750,000 tractors for food sufficiency, yet fewer than 10,000 are operational. By refurbishing and deploying tractors, NASENI is boosting mechanized farming, further supporting SDG 2.

Powering SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy for All
NASENI’s renewable energy initiatives are a cornerstone of its SDG-aligned mission, particularly SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy). Under Halilu’s leadership, the agency has embarked on ambitious projects lighting up underserved communities and reducing Nigeria’s carbon footprint.

Dr. Tanko highlighted the establishment of Africa’s largest renewable energy industrial park in Gora, Nasarawa State, as a flagship achievement. “This park is a game-changer,” he said. “It’s a testament to our EVC’s foresight in creating sustainable energy solutions that empower communities.”
Other initiatives include solar power manufacturing plants across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, compressed natural gas (CNG) conversion and training centers, and energy-saving cookstove production facilities.

NASENI’s collaboration with Powerstove LTD to distribute over 2 million clean cookstoves to rural women is a standout success. “These stoves reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve the health and well-being of rural women,” Dr. Tanko explained. “This directly supports SDG 13 (Climate Action) by tackling emissions and enhancing lives in rural areas.”

Revolutionizing Industry and Infrastructure (SDG 9)
NASENI’s foray into digital manufacturing aligns with SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure). Through strategic partnerships like the one with IMOSE Technologies, NASENI has rolled out locally assembled laptops, solar panels, lithium batteries, hybrid inverters, and smart power meters. These products boost youth employment and reduce emissions tied to imports.

Dr. Tanko credits Halilu’s global perspective for this shift. “He taught us that no single organization produces a device alone—just like an airplane’s components are made in different countries and assembled. His collaborations have ensured NASENI’s products are flooding Nigerian markets, transforming our industrial landscape.”

Overcoming challenges in scaling these initiatives has required innovative thinking. “Our EVC’s entrepreneurial mindset has been key,” Dr. Tanko said. “He’s fostered partnerships that leverage local talent and resources, creating jobs for young Nigerians and reducing reliance on foreign technology.”

Driving Green Mobility for Sustainable Cities (SDG 11)
Halilu’s bold vision for electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing positions NASENI as a leader in Africa’s green mobility revolution, supporting SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). Assembly plants for EVs are underway in Abuja’s technology village, promising to reduce urban emissions and improve city life. “Our EVC’s 3Cs principle has made this possible,” Dr. Tanko said. “These vehicles will transform transportation and help Nigeria meet its climate goals.”

In the transportation sector, NASENI has produced the Electric Keke NAPEP—a zero-emission tricycle designed for urban commuting and last-mile delivery. Named after the National Poverty Eradication Programme (NAPEP), this electric variant builds on a familiar platform while addressing environmental and economic challenges.

A Blueprint for Africa
NASENI’s successes under Halilu are not just a win for Nigeria but a model for the continent. At a recent conference in Nairobi, Halilu challenged African nations to shift from being importers to producers and exporters. “NASENI is leading Africa toward economic sovereignty,” Dr. Tanko said. “As Nigeria’s giant, we’re setting the pace for sustainable tech and green economies across the continent.”

With 2030 on the horizon, NASENI is doubling down on emerging technologies to accelerate progress on SDGs like clean water (SDG 6) and decent work (SDG . A new Sustainable and Emerging Technology Institute in Kano will drive cutting-edge innovations tailored to these goals. “Our EVC’s foresight is unmatched,” Dr. Tanko said. “This institute will produce technologies that ensure Nigeria meets its SDG targets.”

For young Nigerians inspired by NASENI’s work, Dr. Tanko offers advice drawn from Halilu’s example: “Study his entrepreneurial mindset. He believes in skills over degrees. If your course doesn’t lead to a job, learn relevant skills that create opportunities. SMEs and entrepreneurs drive developed economies, and our EVC is showing us how.”

Under Khalil Suleiman Halilu’s leadership, NASENI is not just researching—it’s producing, innovating, and delivering for Nigeria and beyond. Dr. Tanko’s pride in his EVC is palpable: “He’s a trailblazer, a technopreneur, and a patriot. His vision is transforming NASENI into a beacon of hope for sustainable development.”

As Nigeria marches toward 2030, NASENI’s SDG success stories—powered by Halilu’s relentless drive—are proving that innovation, when paired with purpose, can change a nation and inspire a continent.

‎NASENI, CSDGs Secretariat Forge Strategic Partnership to Advance Nigeria’s Sustainable Development
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‎On October 16, 2025, the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) conducted a significant courtesy visit to the Congress Sustainable Development Goals (CSDG) Secretariat and the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (OSSAP-SDGs) in Garki, Abuja.
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‎Led by Dr. Yahaya Tanko, Technical Assistant to NASENI’s Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) on SDGs, the visit aimed to strengthen collaboration to advance Nigeria’s commitment to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), under the dynamic leadership of EVC Khalil Suleiman Halilu.
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‎Dr. Tanko outlined NASENI’s transformative initiatives, emphasizing the agency’s focus on sustainable innovation.
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‎A flagship project highlighted was the solar-powered irrigation systems, which utilize photovoltaic technology to reduce fuel costs, minimize environmental impact, and enhance agricultural productivity.
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‎Approved by the National Economic Council for a rollout of 50,000 to 100,000 units this dry season, these systems promise to boost food security, generate carbon credits, and improve livelihoods for rural farmers across the country.
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‎Dr Tanko also underscored NASENI’s nationwide staff training on SDGs, prioritizing the empowerment of youth and women to drive Nigeria’s sustainable development agenda.
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‎Under Halilu’s leadership, NASENI has emerged as a leader in innovation. Recently honored as a Distinguished Fellow of the Nigerian Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Halilu has spearheaded impactful projects, including the distribution of over one million energy-saving Power Stoves to rural women, advancing SDGs 5 (gender equality) and 7 (clean energy).
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‎His DELT-Her program has allocated ₦100 million in grants to support female engineers, fostering gender-inclusive innovation.
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‎Halilu’s contributions earned him an African Achievers Award from the UK’s House of Lords, with Vice President Kashim Shettima praising NASENI’s irrigation systems as evidence of Nigeria’s global innovation prowess.
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‎The visit solidified a strategic partnership between NASENI and the SDGs office, led by Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire. Both parties committed to pooling resources to address critical challenges, including clean energy, gender equality, and food security.
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‎“This collaboration is a roadmap for Nigeria’s sustainable future,” Tanko stated, reflecting Halilu’s vision of innovation-driven progress.
‎NASENI, under Halilu’s transformative leadership, is not merely pursuing SDGs but setting a bold course for a sustainable, equitable Nigeria.
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‎Dr Tanko emphasized, “We are building a better tomorrow, starting today.” This alliance marks a pivotal step toward realizing that vision, with Halilu’s innovative drive at its core.