*The Federal Government insists on commercialisation of Research & Development results to boost the economy, as Khalil Suleiman Halilu, Executive Vice-Chairman/CEO of NASENI, explains the projects testify to the power of applied research to solve real problems, create jobs, and deliver products and services to Nigerian consumers

Alexander Davis | 绿帽献妻

The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) and the Presidential Implementation Committee on Technology Transfer (PICTT) have launched the second phase of the DELTA-2 Programme-the 2nd Call for proposals.

NASENI said the second phase of DELTA-2 project would focus on commercialisation of all Resrsrch and Development (R&D) outcomes in different fields of the Nigerian economy.

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The Delta-2 Project is a bilateral collaboration by the Federal Government of Nigeria through NASENI-PICTT and the Czech Republic through the Technology Agency of the Czech Republic (TA CR) targeting submissions from innovators, technology entrepreneurs and researchers in Nigeria across mining, agriculture, advanced manufacturing, science and engineering, etc.

The 1st Call for Proposals under the Delta-2 programme was launched in the year 2022, following which grants were disbursed by NASENI to winners of the approved projects to scale up their enterprises.

In his welcome address, Chairman, Presidential Implementation Committee on Technology Transfer (PICTT), Dr. Dahiru Mohammed, said Delta-2 Project had become a major driver of innovation, economic growth and sustainable development in Nigeria.

Olusegun Ayeoyenikan, Director of Information at NASENI, Thursday, September 11, 2025, stated Dr. Mohammed explained the DELTA-2 programme is aimed at accelerating Nigeria鈥檚 technological growth through international collaboration.

He said: 鈥淭he DELTA-2 Programme is a catalyst for job creation, enhanced productivity and the growth of small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

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“It will help reduce dependence on imports while boosting Nigeria鈥檚 global competitiveness,鈥� he stated.

The Chairman of the Presidential Implementation Committee on Technology Transfer also highlighted the achievements of the previous call for proposals launched May 2022, which attracted 285 submissions from Nigerian researchers and companies, out of which 25 projects were funded in 2023.

According to him, this has resulted in innovative products and services across agriculture, advanced manufacturing, and other strategic sectors which have already created jobs, built capacity and advanced technology transfer.

In his keynote speech, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, Executive Vice-Chairman/Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of NASENI, noted that DELTA-2 had the potential to be a catalyst for Nigeria鈥檚 innovation ecosystem adding that the decision is already yielding results.

Halilu stated: 鈥淭oday, we can point to the stories of 12 beneficiaries from the First Call, Nigerians who are working on diverse projects across our country.

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鈥淔rom renewable energy solutions to advanced materials, from agricultural technologies to manufacturing innovations, these projects testify to the power of applied research to solve real problems, create jobs, and deliver products and services that meet the needs of our people.”

Halilu noted that what makes DELTA 2 unique is its focus on outcomes.

鈥淚t is not research for the sake of research, it is research with purpose and market in mind.

“It is research that leads to new knowledge, new skills and new products.

“It is research that bridges the gap between the laboratory and the marketplace, between ideas and impact,” stated he.

The EVC/CEO of the agency further noted: 鈥淚t is also a bridge between nations 鈥� between Czech enterprises and Nigerian innovators, between European expertise and African creativity.

“Together, we are building partnerships that accelerate progress, foster mutual respect and in铿乶ite possibilities for both our countries.”

The NASENI Chief Executive further stated that DELTA-2 projects being supported by NASENI will respond not only to the current needs of the society, but also anticipate the challenges of tomorrow 鈥� from climate change to digital transformation.

Therefore, he called on researchers, innovators and entrepreneurs in Nigeria to make use of the opportunity once again.

In his remarks, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, said: 鈥淭he theme is clear, it is to generate research outcomes that will lead to new products, new processes, apply results that directly enhance Nigeria鈥檚 competitiveness, create jobs and open new markets at home and abroad鈥�.

He noted that the Delta-2 Projects priority areas range from agriculture and food technology, renewable energy, mining and industrial development, health and health technologies, advanced manufacturing, digital mobility, climate technology and defence innovations which aligns strongly with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu鈥檚 Renewed Hope Agenda.

鈥淟et me emphasise, this is not research for shelves. This is research for impact. Every funded project must deliver tangible, scalable and commercially viable outcomes that respond to Nigeria鈥檚 real challenges and opportunities鈥�.

He called on Nigerian researchers, companies and innovators to seize this opportunity to build a greater Nigeria through innovation and technology transfer.

In her goodwill message, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), said the initiative reflects the visionary leadership of President Tinubu鈥檚 administration in encouraging fresh ideas and innovations that can move the country forward

Dabiri-Erewa stated: 鈥淭his is another day of success and progress for Nigeria.

“It shows how much we have achieved in technology and innovation as a nation.”

She applauded NASENI鈥檚 leadership under Halilu for advancing Nigeria鈥檚 science, innovation, and technology agenda, while appealing for a similar project to be extended to Nigerians in the diaspora.

Speaking at the meeting also, Special Assistant to the President on Trade, Investment and Industry, Mr. John Ugochukwu Uwajumogu commended NASENI and PICTT for aligning their efforts with President Tinubu鈥檚 $1 trillion economy agenda, emphasising that technology transfer is central to achieving industrialisation.

鈥淲e must strengthen our industrial capacity to attract both global and domestic investments and to compete strongly on the global stage,鈥� he added.

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