L-R: The Executive Vice Chairman/ Chief Executive of NASENI, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu; the first lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Her Excellency, Senator Oluremi Tinubu and the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Senator Abike Dabiri-Erewa at the Leadership Awards Ceremony in Abuja.

The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) under Mr Khalil Suleiman Halilu-Executive Vice Chairman/CEO was named the Environmental Impact Agency of the year 2025 at the 18^th Edition of Leadership Newspapers’ Annual Conference and Awards, held at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja.

In a statement signed by the Director, Information, NASENI, Mr Segun Ayeoyenikan, the Agency announced the receipt of a prestigious award in recognition of its outstanding contributions to environmental sustainability and green innovation.

The award was received on behalf of the Agency by the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, alongside top management staff and Special Advisers of NASENI.

This recognition highlights NASENI’s growing national impact in advancing environmental sustainability through clean energy solutions, climate-friendly technologies, and green industrial innovation across Nigeria.

NASENI’s recognition included great strides from solar-powered systems and clean cookstoves to innovation hubs supporting youth-led solutions. It was noted for bridging science and everyday life. The efforts of the agency were also recognized in the areas of commercializing home-grown Nigerian technologies and expanding green energy access, helping communities reduce dependence on fossil fuels while creating jobs and industrial capacity.

NASENI amongst Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) was hailed as the best “having stood out in 2025 at the forefront of Nigeria’s drive toward technological self-reliance and environmental sustainability. Through research, innovation, and industrial partnerships. The agency advanced renewable energy solutions and local manufacturing capacity in Nigeria in the year under review”

The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who was honoured as Person of the Year, graced the occasion, while the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Dr. Amina J. Mohammed, delivered the keynote address on the theme: “Political Stability and Sustainable Development in Africa in an Increasingly Unstable Global System: A Roadmap for Nigeria.”

Other notable dignitaries in attendance included the former First Lady of Nigeria, Dr. Dame Patience Jonathan; the wife of the Chief of Staff to the President, Hajiya Salamatu Gbajabiamila; and the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu; and Governors of Nasarawa, Kaduna, Delta, Zamfara, Imo, and Ekiti States, among others.

Speaking at the event, the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, expressed appreciation to Leadership Newspapers for the recognition. “On behalf of NASENI, I sincerely appreciate Leadership Newspapers for this honour. This recognition strengthens our resolve to continue investing in clean energy, green technologies, and sustainable industrial solutions that protect our environment while driving national development. Our commitment remains clear, to build a cleaner, more resilient, and self-reliant Nigeria through innovation.”

Under the renewed hope administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, NASENI has intensified its investments in renewable energy as a strategic pathway to environmental protection and sustainable development. Through its Zero Carbon Project (ZeCo), the Agency is driving the transition toward low-carbon technologies, reducing emissions, and promoting cleaner industrial practices across key sectors of the economy.

A major milestone in this effort is the development of the 40-hectare NASENI Solar Industrial Park in Gora, Nasarawa State, designed to boost local manufacturing of renewable energy components, expand clean energy access, and accelerate Nigeria’s transition to a greener economy. The Agency has also committed substantial funding toward renewable energy projects and locally produced clean-energy technologies.

These include solar-powered irrigation pumps supporting climate-smart agriculture, electric vehicles (EVs) and electric tricycles reducing carbon emissions in transportation, and clean cookstoves that minimize indoor air pollution and reduce dependence on traditional biomass fuels.

NASENI is also advancing home solar systems, energy-efficient smart meters, and solar-powered industrial and household solutions, all aimed at lowering carbon footprint, expanding energy access, and protecting the environment.

The event, part of the 18th Leadership Annual Conference and Awards, attracted distinguished national and international leaders.  This honour further reinforces NASENI’s role as a catalyst for innovation, environmental responsibility, and sustainable industrialization, as the Agency continues to deploy homegrown technologies that expand access to clean energy, create jobs, and strengthen Nigeria’s path toward a greener and more sustainable future.