- NASENI launched initiatives to create over 1.5 million green jobs through solar manufacturing, EV assembly, and innovative irrigation projects.
- At the Africa Policy Dialogue, Halilu urged lawmakers to support the Green Jobs Bill, which would incentivise local manufacturers and aim to drive Nigeria’s low-carbon transition.
Khalil Suleiman Halilu, head of Nigeria’s National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), said the agency aims to create over 1.5 million green jobs through renewable energy projects, including Africa’s largest clean energy industrial park.
At the Africa Policy Dialogue (APD) kickoff in Abuja, Halilu said the agency’s initiatives would drive low-carbon growth and economic inclusion, especially for youth, women and rural communities. The event, held at the National Assembly Complex, focused on “Catalysing Green Jobs Through Low Carbon Transition.”
Organised by the House of Representatives Committee on Renewable Energy, the Inclusive Knowledge Platform, and Advocacy for Policy and Innovation (API), the workshop brought together lawmakers, industry leaders and civil society actors to shape Nigeria’s clean energy future.
Represented by Dr. Yahaya Tanko, head of NASENI’s Impact Desk, Halilu said the agency’s green agenda places people at its core. “Every solar panel we produce, every irrigation system we install, every electric vehicle we assemble is a job created, a family empowered, and a community uplifted,” Tanko said.
At 32, Halilu is NASENI’s youngest-ever chief. He uses that platform to transform the agency into a key player in job creation and climate action. He outlined projects such as solar-powered irrigation systems, compressed natural gas (CNG) conversion and training centres, solar panel and electric vehicle (EV) plants, and clean cooking stove production.
These efforts align with Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan, which targets 30% renewable energy by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2060. Halilu also highlighted the need for stronger local manufacturing. “Unless the proposed Nigeria Green Jobs Bill provides incentives to local solar panel producers, the sector won’t grow,” he warned.
His call for policy support drew backing from Hon. Afam Ogene, Chairman of the House Committee on Renewable Energy, who is championing the National Inclusive Green Jobs Act. The bill seeks to mandate job quotas for women and youth in the clean energy workforce.
Meanwhile, Halilu urged stakeholders to build a framework that protects renewable energy investments. He also called for stronger cooperation among government, industry, and academia. “NASENI is not just building technology; we’re building systems that turn ideas into jobs and dreams into reality,” Tanko added, citing NASENI’s ‘3C’ strategy: Creation, Collaboration, and Commercialisation.
Despite a 50% skills gap in the sector and weak local policy support, Halilu remains optimistic. He said NASENI is partnering with investors from China and Germany and expanding its solar production capacity from 22 to 50 megawatts, with plans to hit 100 megawatts by year-end.
As Nigeria works to localise clean energy production, Halilu’s strategy is gaining traction. With new legislation on the horizon and NASENI scaling up operations, Nigeria is positioning itself as a clean energy leader in Africa.