By Timothy Choji,
The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure, NASENI has received an allocation of N35.6 billion for its capital projects.
Executive Vice Chairman of the agency, Professor Mohammed Haruna stated this to State House Correspondents while briefing them after he briefed President Muhammadu Buhari on the activities of NASENI.
He said the agency got the allocation in the 3rd quarter of last year, 2022.
Professor Haruna explained that the allocation was part of the one percent of the Government’s share of the federation’s account.
He also stated that the agency got another N1.2 billion naira that was also received within the same period as the Federal Inland Revenue Service’s industrial level collection for NASENI.
The third quarter period under review he said includes activities and finances of the agency from July to September 2022.
While highlighting how the allocation would be utilized, the NASENI Vice Chairman said it would be used for local production of laboratory equipment for Secondary Schools.
“Among the areas of application of these funds is the production of laboratory equipment for our secondary schools locally. We also utilize the money on aircraft and some defence related equipment development as part of our collaboration with the defence sector,” he said.
Furthermore, he said the Agency deliberately implemented a research and development programme, identifying key areas of science and engineering development with various tertiary institutions across the country.
On the international scene, Professor Haruna informed Journalists that NASENI also produces science laboratory equipment for some African countries like Cameroun, Uganda and Cote D’Ivoire among others.
“Just yesterday, we received an order form Uganda. They want a supply of the laboratory equipment and that is a revenue source for government. Cameroun and Cote D’Ivoire also patronize these products and the payment goes directly into the consolidated revenue account,” he explained.