NASENI to empower 500 Kaduna households with clean energy, commission drone facility
The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), will commission a drone training facility, launch a skill development centre project and empower 500 households with clean energy solutions in Kaduna State on Monday, October 19, 2026, as part of efforts to deepen technology adoption, skills development and grassroots economic empowerment.
The activities, to be held under the theme “NASENI Strategic Engagement with the Kaduna State Government,” will also feature the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) between the agency and the state government to promote technology transfer, local innovation and commercialisation of indigenous technologies.
The engagements will be led by NASENI’s Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Khalil Suleiman Halilu, and Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, alongside other dignitaries.
The commissioning of the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) training facility will take place at Rigachukun, Kaduna State, where the facility is expected to support the development of technical expertise in drone operations and strengthen Nigeria’s indigenous aviation technology capacity.
NASENI established NasCav Technology Limited (NASCAV) in partnership with Caverton Helicopters to promote local aviation technology, develop technical skills and expand Nigeria’s capacity in unmanned aerial vehicle operations.
The partnership is designed to support drone assembly, training and maintenance services, contributing to the country’s drive for technological self-reliance and industrial development.
Through agricultural drone technology and the SHEFLY initiative, NASCAV is also promoting the use of unmanned aerial vehicles in precision agriculture, including crop monitoring, farm assessment and targeted spraying.
These applications are expected to help farmers reduce production costs, improve resource utilisation and increase agricultural productivity, while the SHEFLY initiative seeks to expand rural women farmers’ access to modern agricultural technologies.
The programme will also feature a groundbreaking ceremony for the NASENI Skill Development Centre in Rigachukun, which is expected to provide practical technical and vocational training to equip participants with skills relevant to industry, enterprise development and employment.
The centre is also intended to promote self-reliance, support entrepreneurship and contribute to economic activities in Kaduna State as part of NASENI’s broader mandate to advance science, engineering and technology.
As part of its grassroots empowerment drive, the agency will implement its NASENI Sustainable Empowerment Programme (NSEP) in Kaduna, targeting 500 beneficiaries comprising 450 women and 50 men.
The beneficiaries will receive clean-energy cookstoves, NASENI Home Solar Solutions and support packs aimed at reducing household energy costs, supporting livelihoods and extending the benefits of technological innovation to local communities.
The activities will conclude with the signing of the MoA between NASENI and the Kaduna State Government at the Banquet Hall of the Government House.
The agreement will establish a framework for technology transfer, local capacity development and the commercialisation of indigenous innovations in key sectors of the state’s economy.
The strategic engagement reflects efforts by NASENI and the Kaduna State Government to strengthen institutional collaboration and translate scientific and engineering innovations into practical solutions for economic development, agricultural productivity, skills acquisition and improved household welfare.
