By Idowu Bankole

In a recent interview, Khalil Suleiman Halilu, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), shared insights into his early career in manufacturing—in the family business, a Kano-based conglomerate manufacturing a range of fast-moving consumer goods – and how it shaped his view on leadership.

In his early twenties, Khalil took over as the COO of the beverage subsidiary, running it for 3 years. Looking back at that phase, and the journey since then, Khalil cites tenacity as being one of the attributes that has set him apart from other entrepreneurs. “I put in a lot of work, dedication and persistence into everything I do.”

Khalil has contributed to the growth and innovation of organizations like Gongoni Company Ltd., a leading manufacturing company in Nigeria, he has also been involved with Nuli Foods Company, a food brand, where his influence in business strategy helped shape the company’s direction. Additionally, he has been associated with Dantata Foods Ltd., where his expertise in business and technology likely supported their operational and strategic development.

Currently, Khalil is transforming NASENI into a model of public sector excellence. “I am rebuilding a thirty-year-old government agency, what I call #ANewNASENI into a model of public sector excellence,” he explained. “Our operating system is built on the 3Cs: Collaboration, Creation, and Commercialization, a robust foundation for innovation.”

Khalil is passionate about manufacturing and leveraging technology for Nigeria’s economic development. “I have been passionate about manufacturing since my early twenties; my background in building and leading technology startups has shaped me into an intentional builder,” he said. “Technology and innovation evidently have unparalleled potential to create jobs and skills for Nigerians, reduce the cost of living, improve the quality of life, and, very importantly, amplify national pride. All of these are in my roadmap for the future.”

Khalil’s ambition is for NASENI to become the Go-To technology-transfer Agency in Nigeria, driving the domestication of cutting-edge technology from around the world, in Nigeria. NASENI’s Strategic Launchpad, one of the key documents that emerged within his first few months as chief executive, focuses on nine areas, including Engineering & Manufacturing, Renewable Energy & Sustainability, and Health & Biotechnology. 

As he looks to the future, Khalil’s vision for NASENI and for Nigeria’s technology landscape is ambitious and transformative. “In the short- and medium-term, I would like to make NASENI—and its products, Institutes, companies, and people—a household name and brand in Nigeria.”

His advice to aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders is simple yet profound: “Failure is never final, instead, always see it as an opportunity for growth and learning.”