By Uche Onyeali
National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure, NASENI, was yesterday named the Environmental Impact Agency of the Year 2025, at the 18th Edition of Leadership Newspapers Annual Conference and Awards, held at the Bola Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja.
According to a statement signed by the Director of Information, NASENI, Mr Olusegun Ayeoyenikan, the award was received on behalf of the agency by the Executive Vice Chairman, Mr Khalil 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 include 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 recognised 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, 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, 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 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 include a former First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan; wife of the chief of staff to the president, Hajiya Salamatu Gbajabiamila, and the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu; as well as governors of Nasarawa, Kaduna, Delta, Zamfara, Imo, and Ekiti States, among others.
Speaking at the event, Mr Halilu expressed appreciation to Leadership Newspaper for the recognition.
“On behalf of NASENI, I sincerely appreciate Leadership Newspaper 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,” Halilu said.
Under the Renewed Hope administration of President Bola 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 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 and electric tricycles reducing carbon emissions in transportation, and clean cookstoves that minimise 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 attracted distinguished national and international leaders.
This honour reinforces NASENI’s role as a catalyst for innovation, environmental responsibility and sustainable industrialisation, as it 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.
