Khalil Suleiman Halilu has been appointed as the new Executive Vice Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure in Nigeria with immediate effect. He is taking over from Dr. Bashir Gwandu whose tenure has been terminated just after four months.
The announcement was made by Chief Ajuri Ngelale Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity) on the 1st of September 2023. By this appointment, Khalil Suleiman Halilu will serve for an initial term of five years in accordance with the relevant sections of the NASENI Act, 2014.
The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) is the only on-purpose built intervention agency of the Federal Government of Nigeria under the Presidency whose mandate include nurturing an appropriate and dynamic Science and Engineering infrastructure base for achieving home initiated and home sustained industrialization for Nigeria. The mandate of the Agency includes the development of relevant processes, capital goods and equipment necessary for job creation, national economic well-being and progress.
Khalil earned a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Business Administration from the University of Hertfordshire in 2009 and a Master’s degree in International Business in 2010, from the same university.
Before this announceemnt, he was the CEO of Shap Shap, an on-demand platform that connects clients with drivers supported with flexible route options and insurance cover on goods being transported.
A significant milestone in his career includes the founding of a nonprofit organization called the Center for Civic, Welfare, and Community Development, also recognized as CWCD Africa, in the year 2018. The primary mission of this organization is to tackle urgent societal concerns, including healthcare, education, environmental preservation, and the challenges posed by global warming.
Under Halilu’s leadership, the CWCD introduced the Zabe mobile app, which served as a crucial tool during the 2019 general elections. The Zabe App was designed to decentralize electoral transparency and enhance democratic engagement. Zabe.ng was created as an election monitoring application, offering voters access to real-time updates to ensure the fairness and credibility of the electoral process.
Mr. Halilu, aged 32, is anticipated to leverage his substantial experience as an innovator and technology specialist in this crucial national role.