Akure, Ondo State – The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has expressed concern over Nigerians’ low patronage of locally-made products.
Specifically, the agency urges citizens to support indigenous technology to accelerate national development.
During a stakeholders’ meeting in Akure, Mr. Joseph Alasoluyi, NASENI’s Deputy Director of Engineering, criticized Nigerians’ preference for foreign goods.
To reverse this trend, NASENI has trained over 50 participants in handmade production, aiming to boost demand for domestic products.
NASENI was established to advance science, technology, and engineering as key drivers of Nigeria’s progress.
Currently, the agency runs 12 institutes nationwide, which play a crucial role in promoting homegrown innovations.
Moreover, these institutes prioritize leveraging local resources for product development.
Mr. Alasoluyi highlighted President Bola Tinubu’s dedication to increasing local production and patronage, which will create jobs.
“This program ensures we manufacture goods using indigenous technology,” he said. “NASENI exists to encourage homegrown solutions.”
Additionally, Mr. Alasoluyi explained NASENI’s ‘3 Cs’ strategy—Creation, Collaboration, and Commercialization.
First, the agency focuses on innovation through research. Next, it partners with stakeholders to refine products.
Finally, it commercializes solutions to strengthen the economy.
Meanwhile, Prof. Samuel Oluyamo, Deputy Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, faulted the Federal Government for underfunding university research.
He noted that many projects stall due to financial constraints and poor industry partnerships.
Furthermore, Prof. Oluyamo questioned the government’s commitment to research funding.
He argued that academic breakthroughs often fail due to a lack of commercialization support and infrastructure.
“The government neglects university research,” he stated. “Thankfully, TETFund is making efforts, but overall interest remains low.”
The meeting concluded with a call for stronger collaboration among government bodies, academia, and industries.
Ultimately, such partnerships will enhance local production, stimulate economic growth, and advance Nigeria’s technological independence.