The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has joined forces with the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) to tap into the skills of Nigerians abroad and drive national technological and economic development.
The partnership seeks to connect local innovators with Nigerian scientists, engineers, technologists, and entrepreneurs in the diaspora, creating opportunities for collaboration and knowledge exchange.
The agreement emerged after a strategic meeting between NASENI’s Executive Vice Chairman, Khalil Suleiman Halilu, and NiDCOM’s Chairman, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa. Both leaders described the collaboration as a timely initiative that will strengthen innovation under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda.”
Halilu presented several of NASENI’s key projects, including a government-backed multi-currency payment platform modelled on Revolut, offering low-cost, real-time transfers. He also outlined the Innovation Hub and Incubation Programme, which provides funding to Nigerian innovators both at home and abroad, and Delta-2, a technology partnership with the Czech Republic aimed at introducing new innovations to Nigeria.
The Executive Vice Chairman emphasised the importance of NiDCOM’s database of diaspora professionals in implementing these initiatives. He also unveiled a second major project focused on mobilising diaspora expertise in science, technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship to develop practical solutions that can stimulate economic growth.
Dabiri-Erewa praised NASENI’s work and pledged NiDCOM’s full support, suggesting that the agency participate in the 8th Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit (NDIS) scheduled for November 11-13, 2025, in Abuja.
To formalise their partnership, NASENI and NiDCOM have agreed to establish a joint working committee. The committee will identify specific areas of collaboration and design projects centred on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), with the broader aim of boosting diaspora engagement and driving national progress.