Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, CFR, PhD, has commended the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) for its NASENI Sustainable Empowerment Programme (NSEP), describing it as an important initiative that translates science, technology and engineering into practical solutions that directly improve the lives of Nigerians.
Senator Jibrin, represented by his Chief of Staff, Muhammad Bin Abdallah spoke at the Phase III of NSEP, held on the 8th of August 2026, in Kabo Local Government Area of Kano State, where 1,200 beneficiaries received NASENI Clean Cookstoves and Support Packs.
“I commend the leadership and management of NASENI for conceiving and implementing this important initiative, which demonstrates that science, technology and engineering can be translated into practical solutions that directly improve the lives of our people,” he said.
The Deputy Senate President said the distribution of clean cookstoves and support packs to vulnerable households would contribute to household welfare, public health, environmental sustainability, and the economic wellbeing of families.
According to him, access to cleaner and more efficient cooking solutions also has the potential to reduce the burden of cooking on women, conserve household resources, and promote a cleaner and healthier environment.
He stressed that Nigeria must continue to promote homegrown technologies that respond to its peculiar needs while ensuring that government policies, programmes, and technological innovations reach ordinary Nigerians at the grassroots.
Senator Jibrin also reaffirmed the commitment of the National Assembly, under the leadership of the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, CON, to supporting initiatives that promote economic empowerment, social inclusion, technological advancement and improved living conditions.
“I therefore commend NASENI for taking this intervention directly to the people of Kabo. I am confident that the programme will not only provide immediate support to beneficiaries but will also contribute to building greater awareness and acceptance of clean and sustainable technologies within our communities,” he stated.
He encouraged the beneficiaries to make the best use of the intervention as an opportunity to improve the welfare and productivity of their households.
Earlier, the Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NASENI, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu explained that NSEP is designed to take sustainable empowerment directly to communities, combining technology-driven interventions with practical economic support. Under the Kabo Phase III, 1,200 beneficiaries were supported through clean cookstoves and NASENI Support Packs.
Halilu said the clean cookstove intervention connects NSEP with NASENI’s broader commitment to renewable and cleaner energy, helping to reduce dependence on traditional fuels, improve energy efficiency and support Nigeria’s transition towards a low-carbon and ultimately net-zero future.
“At NASENI, we believe the energy transition must not be something we only discuss at conferences. It must reach our homes, our communities, and our people,” he said.
The EVC/CEO added that NSEP reflects the vision of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, by ensuring that economic growth, technological advancement and sustainable development translate into tangible benefits for Nigerians at the grassroots.
He said through NSEP, NASENI is demonstrating that sustainable empowerment, cleaner energy, and economic inclusion can move together while creating opportunities and strengthening the resilience of Nigerian households and communities.
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