Presidency Backs NASENI Drones as Reps Push Local Content in Defence Procurement

ABUJA, August 4, 2026

Nigeria’s push for homegrown technology gathered fresh momentum on Tuesday after the Presidency applauded the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) for expanding local manufacturing and assembling advanced technologies, including drones.

ValidViewNetwork reports that the endorsement came as senior presidential officials toured NASENI’s facilities in Abuja and inspected locally assembled drones, agricultural equipment, diagnostic kits and other technologies developed through partnerships with private firms.

The development also comes barely hours after the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Defence, Babajimi Benson, renewed calls for stricter enforcement of Nigeria’s local content policy in defence procurement. He urged military institutions and government agencies to prioritise indigenous manufacturers where local alternatives exist.

Presidency Inspects NASENI Facilities

On Tuesday, August 4, 2026, members of the Presidential Communications Team visited six production facilities and the NASENI showroom at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja.

The delegation included Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, and Special Adviser on Policy and Coordination, Hadiza Bala Usman.

ValidViewNetwork reports that the visit reflected the Federal Government’s renewed emphasis on local manufacturing, technology transfer, industrialisation and import substitution under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Onanuga Praises NASENI’s Transformation

Bayo Onanuga commended NASENI’s Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Khalil Halilu, for repositioning the agency.

He said, “NASENI has done really well. I was not surprised that when it came to selecting the presiding positions, the agency’s EVC was appointed. This agency was created in 1992. Yet, in three years, you can see how Halilu has turned it around.”

Onanuga added, “I was here last year and found some of his innovations remarkable. I can see the Renewed Hope Transformation in this agency. We must commend you and also encourage you to continue to justify the confidence the President has in the youth of this country to continue to apply their skills to develop this country,” ValidViewNetwork reports.

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Dare Urges MDAs to Buy Nigerian

Sunday Dare said NASENI’s work demonstrates the practical value of investing in local innovation. He praised the agency’s advances in agricultural mechanisation, artificial intelligence and diagnostic technologies.

Dare also urged government institutions to consider Nigerian-made products before importing foreign alternatives.

He said, “I think it’s important that we ensure that the work you’re doing here is put out there. Also, we need to develop a model that makes it almost mandatory for MDAs, before they go outside or import, to take clearance to find out if the products are not done here before they can proceed.”

Benson’s Position Gains Fresh Backing

The Presidency’s position closely mirrors remarks made earlier on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, by House Defence Committee Chairman Babajimi Benson during the unveiling of the AEGIS-X 2.0 light tactical armoured vehicle.

Benson argued that Nigeria spends billions importing military equipment already produced by indigenous companies.

He pledged that lawmakers would push for full enforcement of the existing presidential directive requiring ministries, departments and agencies to prioritise locally manufactured products.

The growing alignment between the executive and the legislature suggests that local content may become a stronger pillar of Nigeria’s defence and industrial policies, ValidViewNetwork reports.

Halilu Defends Strategic Manufacturing

Responding to questions about local production, NASENI boss Khalil Halilu rejected the idea that every component must be produced entirely within Nigeria. He argued that successful economies rely on strategic partnerships while focusing on areas of comparative advantage.

Halilu said, “If you attempt to make everything 100% local, you’re pushing yourself out of civilisation. Today, one of the biggest technology companies in the whole world, Apple Inc. doesn’t even have operations in the United States for assembly. It’s designed in California but assembled in China and India.”

He added that NASENI focuses on projects capable of creating jobs, reducing production costs and expanding Nigeria’s industrial capacity.

Growing Consensus on Local Manufacturing

The convergence of positions from the Presidency and the National Assembly signals growing political support for indigenous manufacturing.

If backed by consistent implementation, experts believe stronger patronage of Nigerian-made defence equipment and technology could reduce import dependence, create skilled jobs and strengthen national industrial capacity.

Whether government agencies now match these public commitments with procurement decisions may determine how quickly Nigeria transforms local innovation into lasting economic and security gains, ValidViewNetwork reports.