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  • Research commercialisation key to growth, says NASENI

    Research commercialisation key to growth, says NASENI

    Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Mr. Khalil Halilu, has reaffirmed that research commercialisation remains central to Nigeria’s economic development.

    Speaking at the North-Central Sensitisation Programme on the NASENI Research Commercialisation Grant Programme (NRCGP), held at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja, Halilu stressed the importance of addressing financial and administrative setbacks often faced by research projects.

    The EVC, who was represented by NASENI’s Research Director, Prof. Abdulmalik Ibrahim Onuwe, stated that the NRCGP was designed to support viable research and development initiatives in the country, which also propagates NASENI’s mission and vision.

     According to him, the application process is fully digitalised, transparent, and does not require physical presence or long administrative procedures. “This sensitisation is not just for personal benefit but also to empower prospective researchers from institutes who may seek guidance about the programme,” Halilu said.

    Read Also: Nigeria promotes agenda at UNGA event

    He urged participants, including representatives from universities, the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), National Space Research and Development Agency (NSRDA), among others to take full advantage of the opportunities provided by NASENI to foster collaboration and innovation.

    Presenting an overview of the NRCGP, Programme Coordinator and Special Adviser to the EVC on Science and Engineering Commercialisation, Engr. Dr. Anas Balarabe Yazid, highlighted the objectives, eligibility criteria, and key assessment tools of the programme.

    He emphasized that the grant aligns with NASENI’s mandate to promote local content, noting that under the NASENI principle of Creation, Collaboration and Commercialisation (3Cs), it is being radically prioritized. “Every research project must be noble, clear, market-viable, and align with NASENI’s transformation agenda and Nigeria’s broader development goals,” he said.

    In her vote of thanks, Deputy Director, Planning and Policy Analysis, Ms. Joy Elugbe expressed appreciation to the EVC and participants, encouraging researchers to embrace NASENI’s initiatives as a pathway to national progress.

  • NASENI commits to research for growth

    NASENI commits to research for growth

    The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, has restated that commercialising research remains vital to Nigeria’s economic transformation.

    Halilu, represented by NASENI’s Director of Research, Prof. Abdulmalik Ibrahim Onuwe, spoke at the North-Central Sensitisation Programme on the NASENI Research Commercialisation Grant Programme (NRCGP)  in Abuja.

    He explained that the NRCGP was designed to support viable research and development projects while advancing NASENI’s mission of innovation-driven growth. According to him, the application process is fully digital, transparent, and free of cumbersome administrative procedures.

    Read Also: Fed Govt unveils Nigeria @ 65 theme: All hands on deck for greater nation

    “This sensitisation is not just for personal benefit but to empower prospective researchers from institutes who may seek guidance about the programme,” Halilu said.

    Halilu urged them to take advantage of the opportunities to foster collaboration and innovation.

    Programme Coordinator and Special Adviser to the EVC on Science and Engineering Commercialisation, Engr. Dr. Anas Balarabe Yazid, said the initiative aligns with NASENI’s principle of Creation, Collaboration, and Commercialisation (3Cs) and Nigeria’s wider development goals.

    “Every research project must be noble, clear, market-viable, and consistent with NASENI’s transformation agenda,” Yazid added.

  • NASENI reaffirms commitment to research commercialisation for national growth 

    NASENI reaffirms commitment to research commercialisation for national growth 

    The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Khalil Suleiman Halilu, has restated that commercialising research remains vital to Nigeria’s economic transformation.

    Halilu, represented by NASENI’s Director of Research, Prof. Abdulmalik Ibrahim Onuwe, spoke at the North-Central Sensitisation Programme on the NASENI Research Commercialisation Grant Programme (NRCGP) in Abuja.

    He explained that the NRCGP was designed to support viable research and development projects while advancing NASENI’s mission of innovation-driven growth. 

    According to him, the application process is fully digital, transparent, and free of cumbersome administrative procedures.

    “This sensitisation is not just for personal benefit but to empower prospective researchers from institutes who may seek guidance about the programme,” Halilu said.

    Halilu urged them to take advantage of the opportunities to foster collaboration and innovation.

    Programme Coordinator and Special Adviser to the EVC on Science and Engineering Commercialisation, Engr. Dr. Anas Balarabe Yazid, said the initiative aligns with NASENI’s principle of Creation, Collaboration, and Commercialisation (3Cs) and Nigeria’s wider development goals.

    “Every research project must be noble, clear, market-viable, and consistent with NASENI’s transformation agenda,” Yazid added

  • NEC endorses NASENI’s solar irrigation pumps for dry season farming

    NEC endorses NASENI’s solar irrigation pumps for dry season farming

    The National Economic Council (NEC) on Thursday endorsed the rollout of solar-powered irrigation pumps produced by the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), describing the innovation as a revolutionary step toward ensuring food security in Nigeria.

    At its 152nd meeting held at the State House, Abuja, and presided over by Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Council resolved to seek President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval for the mass production and distribution of the pumps ahead of the 2025 dry season farming.

    The NASENI solar pump, designed to replace petrol-powered systems, is expected to boost agricultural productivity, reduce operational costs for farmers, increase incomes, and improve livelihoods. 

    According to a statement by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, the Council further mandated the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, to work out funding modalities to enable NASENI scale up production on time.

    READ ALSO: Fayose’s brother quits PDP, withdraws from Ekiti governorship race

    Vice President Shettima hailed the breakthrough as proof that Nigerian ingenuity can compete globally. “NASENI’s scaled-up solar irrigation pumps are ready for national rollout ahead of the 2025 dry season. These pumps replace expensive petrol-powered systems, lower farmers’ costs, expand dry-season cultivation, and even provide backup power for households. 

    “Their advanced features, including GPS tracking, mobile app dashboards, usage monitoring, and pay-as-you-go integration, prove that Nigerian ingenuity can compete with the world,” he stated.

    He added that beyond food security, the technology would unlock carbon credit opportunities for farmers. 

    Shettima also highlighted ongoing government initiatives in agriculture, including the insurance of 250,000 farmers across eight states, progress on the 30 percent Value Addition Bill, the ₦250 billion Bank of Agriculture facility, the repositioning of the Green Imperative Project with Brazil, and the World Bank-backed AGROW programme.

    The meeting also received updates on Nigeria’s economic outlook from the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) ahead of its 31st annual summit. 

    The NESG presentation noted global risks such as uneven growth, rising geopolitical tensions, and climate change pressures, stressing the need for structural reforms in Nigeria.

    The report identified energy and transport bottlenecks, foreign exchange liquidity crises, and political risks as major challenges. 

    It urged Nigeria to embrace industrialisation, infrastructure investment, and subnational competitiveness to drive growth. 

    The Council resolved to participate actively in the summit to align with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    The National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, presented Nigeria’s Anticipatory Action Framework for riverine flooding. 

    The plan prioritises early warning systems, multipurpose cash assistance of ₦24 billion, evacuation sites, and community resilience measures in 13 high-risk states.

    The framework emphasises equity, timely interventions, and institutionalising preparedness across ministries and agencies. 

    The Council commended the initiative as visionary and directed the NSA to expand its scope to cover more states for ratification at the next meeting.

    In another presentation, Jigawa Governor Umar Namadi drew attention to the impact of high energy costs and input prices on food production. 

    He recommended a review of fertilizer pricing policies and provision of smaller farming implements for smallholder farmers.

    The Council resolved to address the challenges head-on and directed the Minister of State for Petroleum (Gas) to engage with industry stakeholders on lowering domestic gas costs and report back at its next sitting.

    The Council also recalled President Tinubu’s earlier directive for NASENI to produce up to 100,000 irrigation pumps for nationwide distribution, reaffirming its commitment to reducing farmers’ energy costs and strengthening food security.

    On account balances as of September 17, 2025, the Council was informed that the Excess Crude Account stood at $535,823.39, the Stabilization Account at ₦83.49 billion, and the Natural Resources Account at ₦125.82 billion.

  • NASENI Unveils InnovateNaija, A 250million Naira Innovation Challenge designed to Shape the Future of Nigeria’s Infrastructure

    NASENI Unveils InnovateNaija, A 250million Naira Innovation Challenge designed to Shape the Future of Nigeria’s Infrastructure

    The future of Nigerian innovation is here, and it’s powered by its youth. The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has officially launched the InnovateNaija Challenge, a nationwide movement designed to discover and empower the country’s brightest minds.

    With an impressive total prize pool of N250 million, this competition is set to become Nigeria’s largest showcase of homegrown products in science, engineering, and manufacturing. The grand prize winner will be awarded a whopping N100 million grant to turn their groundbreaking idea into a reality.

    The challenge kicked off on September 4, 2025, at GITEX Nigeria on the 10x Stage at the Landmark Event Center in Lagos. InnovateNaija is more than a competition; it’s a nationwide search for the next generation of industry leaders. Young Nigerians are invited to submit their most creative inventions and products via engaging video entries to vie for a spot in this monumental event. Innovators can apply and find more information here.

    The excitement will unfold over three thrilling months, structured in two dynamic phases:

    • Phase 1: Thirty-six innovators, one from each state and the FCT will be selected through a blend of public voting and expert review. Each of these state winners will secure a N2.5 million grant to help advance their innovations.
    • Phase 2: The top 15 innovators will earn their place at the grand finale: the NASENI Invention Fest in Abuja in February 2026. Here, they will present their products to a panel of expert judges and key stakeholders. The stakes are immense, as the top three national winners will be chosen, with the ultimate champion taking home the N100 million grant to scale their solution.

    In parallel with the challenge, InnovateNaija marks the pre-launch of the NASENI Innovation Hub. This cutting-edge facility is designed to bridge the gap between brilliant ideas and market-ready products. By providing critical infrastructure, mentorship, capacity building, and funding, the hub will serve as the ultimate launchpad, transforming innovators into entrepreneurs and sparking a new era of collaboration and growth in Nigeria’s tech ecosystem.

    “We are committed to fostering an environment where these innovations can thrive,” said Khalil Sulaiman Halilu, Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of NASENI. “The InnovateNaija Challenge is an incredible opportunity to identify, empower, and support Nigeria’s most promising young innovators. Our Innovation Hub is designed to strengthen research and development with a clear focus on advancing Nigeria’s technological capabilities and promoting homegrown solutions, not just for Nigeria, but for all of Africa.”

    Anna Ekeledo, Executive Director at AfriLabs, added, “We believe in the power of homegrown innovation to drive Africa’s development, and InnovateNaija is a powerful testament to that belief. By empowering innovators across every state in Nigeria, this competition fuels creativity and strengthens the entire ecosystem. We are thrilled to partner with NASENI on this groundbreaking initiative that will showcase Nigerian ingenuity and provide the resources needed to scale impactful solutions.”

    Read Also: NASENI launches InnovateNaija Nigeria’s biggest innovation challenge to empower youths

    About NASENI

    The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) is a federal government intervention agency under the Presidency whose mission is to nurture a dynamic science and engineering infrastructure base to support Nigeria’s industrialization.

    About AfriLabs

    AfriLabs is Africa’s largest network of technology and innovation hubs, dedicated to fostering the growth of the continent’s innovation ecosystem by connecting hubs and stakeholders to facilitate collaboration, knowledge transfer, and resource sharing.

    Media Contact:

    Info@naseni.gov.ng

    Join the Conversation:

    #InnovateNaija

    Twitter/X: @Nasenihub

    Instagram: @Nasenihub

    Facebook: @Nasenihub

    LinkedIn: @Nasenihub

    Join the movement. Ignite innovation. This is InnovateNaija!

  • NASENI launches InnovateNaija Nigeria’s biggest innovation challenge to empower youths

    NASENI launches InnovateNaija Nigeria’s biggest innovation challenge to empower youths

    The InnovateNaija to empower, and showcase the nation’s brightest minds, will be launched on Thursday September 4. 

    This initiative seeks to identify, empower, and support homegrown, game- changing innovations in science, engineering, or manufacturing across Nigeria. 

    To achieve this, the competition offers ₦250 million with the grand prize winner receiving ₦100 million to help bring their innovation to life.

    Launching on September 4, 2025, at GITEX Nigeria on the 10x Stage at Landmark Event Center, Lagos, InnovateNaija aims to drive innovation across all 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) of Nigeria by inviting young Nigerians to submit their most creative inventions and products through engaging video entries. 

    The competition will unfold over three months and will consist of two phases. In the first phase, the top 37 innovators, —one from each state and the FCT,—will be selected through a dynamic process that includes public voting. Each of these 37 winners will receive a grant of ₦2.5 million to help further develop their innovations.

    The top 15 innovators from the state-level competitions will advance to the grand finale pitch event at the NASENI Invention Fest in Abuja in February 2026. 

    They will showcase their products to a panel of expert judges and key stakeholders. The stakes will be incredibly high as the top three national winners are determined. The grand prize winner will receive a ₦100 million grant, providing a fantastic opportunity to elevate their innovation to the next level.

    InnovateNaija also marks the pre-launch of the NASENI Innovation Hub, designed to bridge the support gap for innovators, enhance collaboration, and accelerate the development of market-ready products in Nigeria’s tech and entrepreneurial landscape. 

    The Innovation Hub will provide critical infrastructure, mentorship, capacity building, and funding opportunities, serving as a launchpad for Nigerian innovators to transform ideas into scalable businesses.

    “As we gear up towards the launch of the InnovateNaija Challenge, which is set to identify, empower, and support Nigeria’s most promising young innovators in science, engineering, and manufacturing, we at NASENI are committed to fostering an environment where these innovations can thrive. 

    Read Also: NASENI tech transfer attracts $2b commitments, says CEO

    “The InnovateNaija Challenge is an incredible opportunity, offering funding to 37 outstanding youths, to bring their ideas to life. To complement this national movement, NASENI has established an Innovation Hub in Abuja,Nigeria to serve as a breeding ground for transformative ideas and technologies, ensuring that the spark ignited by the InnovateNaija Challenge is nurtured into scalable and real-world solutions. 

    “The NASENI Innovation Hub strengthens research and development across key scientific and engineering disciplines, with a clear focus on advancing Nigeria’s technological capabilities and promoting homegrown solutions to our unique challenges, not just in Nigeria but across Africa,” Vice chairman /CEO of NASENI Khalil Sulaiman Halilu said. 

    “At AfriLabs, we believe in the power of homegrown innovation to drive Africa’s development, and InnovateNaija is a testament to this belief. 

    “By empowering innovators across all states in Nigeria, this competition not only fuels creativity but also strengthens the innovation ecosystem. We are excited to support NASENI in this groundbreaking initiative that will spotlight Nigerian ingenuity and provide the resources needed to scale impactful solutions,” Executive Director of AfriLabs Anna Ekeledo said..

  • NASENI tech transfer attracts $2b commitments, says CEO

    NASENI tech transfer attracts $2b commitments, says CEO

    The Executive Vice Chairman of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Mr. Khalil Halilu, says Nigeria has witnessed unprecedented progress in technology transfer under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, with over 1,000 applications from global companies received in just one year.

    Halilu made this known during President Tinubu’s interactive session with Nigerians in Japan, held on the sidelines of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) last week.

    According to him, the accelerated Technology Transfer Programme approved by the President has already attracted $2 billion in commitments, while also simplifying the application process through a seamless online platform.

    “We have moved from being a research and development agency with only prototypes on the shelf to an implementing agency with 40 market-ready products,” Halilu said.

    Read Also: Nigeria, Japan seal deals to boost mining investment

    He explained that NASENI has signed a deal with a Japanese company in the area of nanotechnology, which would establish four factories in Nigeria. He expressed optimism that more Japanese firms would take advantage of the enabling policies to invest in the country.

    Halilu also highlighted ongoing projects including a 40-hectare renewable industrial park, an electric vehicle assembly plant, and other technology-driven initiatives designed to boost industrialisation and create jobs.

    He attributed these achievements to the President’s policies, which he said had opened Nigeria’s doors to diasporans and foreign investors eager to partner with the country in critical sectors.

    The NASENI boss assured potential investors of full support, stressing that Nigeria is ready to provide an enabling environment for technology transfer and sustainable industrial growth.

  • NASENI targets 50% fuel cost reduction with new facility

    NASENI targets 50% fuel cost reduction with new facility

    The Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Khalil Halilu, has revealed that the average Nigerian driver spends over 40 per cent of their daily earnings on fuel, one of the highest fuel-cost burdens globally.

    Halilu, who stated this after the launch of a new Portland Daughter Station in Kubwa,  said the initiative aims to cut that cost by half while also reducing harmful emissions and extending engine lifespan.

    The EVC noted that the facility  which houses a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Conversion Centre, Training Centre, and Gas Refill Station, is a practical step towards realising President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for a diversified, sustainable, and industrially vibrant economy.

    He emphasised that NASENI’s mission is to turn technology into impact through strategic partnerships, such as its collaboration with Portland Gas Limited, which blends technical expertise, private-sector efficiency, and national commitment.

    According to him, the new daughter station has the capacity to convert up to 20 vehicles daily to CNG, making it more accessible, affordable, and convenient for Nigerians.

    This, he said, follows last year’s commissioning of NASENI’s flagship CNG Conversion, Filling, and Training Centre in Utako, Abuja.

    “Did you know that the average Nigerian driver spends over 40% of their daily earnings on fuel? That’s one of the highest fuel-cost burdens anywhere in the world,” the EVC noted.

    “Now imagine if we could cut that by half, while reducing harmful emissions and extending the life of our engines. That is the reality we are working towards, and this facility is designed to help achieve exactly that.”

    Beyond infrastructure, he said NASENI is also building human capacity.

    He said: “Over the past year, 30 Nigerian engineers from all geopolitical zones have been trained in CNG conversion, auto maintenance, and clean energy technologies. The agency plans to replicate similar facilities across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with the long-term goal of enabling every vehicle in Nigeria to run on CNG.

    Read Also: NASENI’s initiatives, catalyst for local content, says Oduwole

    The EVC listed the agency’s core commitments as accessibility, bringing CNG technology closer to the people; competition, breaking monopolies to improve service quality and affordability; and efficiency reducing bottlenecks and long queues for CNG users.

    He stressed that the benefits of CNG adoption include lower fuel costs, cleaner air, improved engine performance, stronger energy security, and job creation for the youth.

    “Our ambition is not just national, it is continental. We believe Nigeria’s energy transition can set a model for Africa  where collaboration, innovation, and shared purpose drive the next chapter of our industrial growth.”

  • NASENI targets 50% fuel cost reduction with new facility

    NASENI targets 50% fuel cost reduction with new facility

    The Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Khalil Halilu, has revealed that the average Nigerian driver spends over 40% of their daily earnings on fuel, one of the highest fuel-cost burdens globally.

    Halilu, who stated this after the launch of a new Portland Daughter Station in Kubwa, said the initiative aims to cut that cost by half while also reducing harmful emissions and extending engine lifespan.

    The EVC noted that the facility, which houses a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Conversion Centre, Training Centre, and Gas Refill Station, is a practical step towards realising President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for a diversified, sustainable, and industrially vibrant economy.

    He emphasised that NASENI’s mission is to turn technology into impact through strategic partnerships, such as its collaboration with Portland Gas Limited, which blends technical expertise, private-sector efficiency, and national commitment.

    According to him, the new daughter station can convert up to 20 vehicles daily to CNG, making it more accessible, affordable, and convenient for Nigerians.

    Read Also: NASENI’s initiatives, catalyst for local content, says Oduwole

     This, he said, follows last year’s commissioning of NASENI’s flagship CNG Conversion, Filling, and Training Centre in Utako, Abuja.

    “Did you know that the average Nigerian driver spends over 40% of their daily earnings on fuel? That’s one of the highest fuel-cost burdens anywhere in the world,” the EVC noted.

    “Now imagine if we could cut that by half, while reducing harmful emissions and extending the life of our engines. That is the reality we are working towards, and this facility is designed to help achieve exactly that.”

    Beyond infrastructure, he said, NASENI is also building human capacity.

    He said, “Over the past year, 30 Nigerian engineers from all geopolitical zones have been trained in CNG conversion, auto maintenance, and clean energy technologies. The agency plans to replicate similar facilities across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with the long-term goal of enabling every vehicle in Nigeria to run on CNG.

    The EVC listed the agency’s core commitments as accessibility, bringing CNG technology closer to the people; competition, breaking monopolies to improve service quality and affordability; and efficiency, reducing bottlenecks and long queues for CNG users.

    He stressed that the benefits of CNG adoption include lower fuel costs, cleaner air, improved engine performance, stronger energy security, and job creation for the youth.

    “Our ambition is not just national, it is continental. We believe Nigeria’s energy transition can set a model for Africa where collaboration, innovation, and shared purpose drive the next chapter of our industrial growth.”

  • NASENI’s initiatives, catalyst for domestic content development, says Oduwole

    NASENI’s initiatives, catalyst for domestic content development, says Oduwole

    The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, has described the initiative of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) as a catalyst for domestic content development and strengthening the country’s industrial base.

    Oduwole made this known after inspecting NASENI facilities, including the agency’s Innovation Hub, technology site at the Abuja Technology Village, the Troment facility and another facility at Abuja Technology Park, Idu Industrial Area, respectively.

    The visit was part of a broader effort by the ministry to assess local industrial capacity and see high-impact projects that are accelerating the Federal Government’s Nigeria First Policy, an agenda focused on boosting domestic production, encouraging local consumption, and creating jobs through industrialisation.

    At each stop, she commended the foresight and commitment of Mr. Halilu in promoting Made-in-Nigeria products. She was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Ambassador Nura Abba Rimi; the Managing Director of Nigerian Export Processing Zones Authority, Dr. Olufemi  Ogunyemi, as well as directors of the Ministry and the Directors of NASENI.

    Read Also: NASENI, tech village partner on tech hub

    Speaking during a chat with the media after the tour at the Agency’s headquarters, the Minister said the EVC of NASENI had earlier visited her ministry and briefed her on the activities of the Agency, and invited her to come and see. 

    While commending the NASENI’s Executive Vice Chairman, Mr. Khalil Halilu, for his visionary leadership, Oduwole urged him to sustain the agency’s momentum in knowledge sharing, inspiring the younger generation, and advancing its commercialisation drive.

    “I have come and I have seen many things. What I am seeing today is not in terms of intentions, not in terms of MoUs, not in terms of agreement or prospective investors, but I have seen actual 100 per cent made-in-Nigeria products.

    “I have seen happy investors. I have seen investors who were pushed to work quickly. I have seen investors setting the pace in the country, in the region and on the global stage, laying the way, “she added.

    During her tour of NASENI facilities, the minister was shown round the NASENI product showroom at Abuja Technology Park, the NASENI Troment factory that will be producing world-class drugs including HIV vaccines, the NASENI Innovation Hub and several products delivered by the Agency.

     She took a ride alongside the EVC/CEO in NASENI’s anti-ballistic missile armoured vehicle.

    Earlier in his remarks, Halilu disclosed that NASENI currently has over 40 market-ready products capable of competing favourably in the global market, with more innovations underway.

    He also appealed to the media to embrace developmental journalism.

    He, however, called for stronger collaboration with the Ministry to further boost productivity.