The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has completed the training of 120 youths in Lokoja, Kogi State, in modern electrical installation and maintenance, equipping them with practical skills and tools to explore employment and entrepreneurial opportunities in Nigeria’s growing building and construction industry.
The beneficiaries also received starter packs and N50,000 each to support their transition from training to income-generating activities.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the programme, held on Friday, October 23, 2026, at Christo Zera Hall, Reverton Hotels, Lokoja, the Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NASENI, Khalil Suleiman Halilu, said the initiative was designed to equip young Nigerians with skills that could translate into sustainable livelihoods, businesses and economic independence.
Halilu, who was represented by the agency’s Acting Coordinating Director, Finance and Accounts, Ibrahim Baba Dauda, explained that the training was conducted under the NASENI Skill Acquisition Training and Youth Empowerment Programme (SATYE).
According to him, the programme reflects NASENI’s commitment to ensuring that Nigeria’s industrialisation efforts translate into tangible economic opportunities for citizens, particularly young people.
“At NASENI, our vision of industrialisation goes beyond factories and machines. Industrial development must ultimately create opportunities for ordinary Nigerians. This is why SATYE takes practical skills, technologies and economic opportunities directly to communities across the length and breadth of the country,” he said.
Halilu noted that the continued expansion of residential buildings, commercial facilities, factories, schools and other infrastructure across Nigeria has created increasing demand for skilled electrical installation and maintenance personnel.
He explained that the training was designed to prepare beneficiaries to take advantage of these opportunities while contributing to the development of Nigeria’s domestic building and construction industry.
“NASENI is supporting the development of Nigeria’s domestic building and construction industry. This is consistent with the vision of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, under the Renewed Hope Agenda, to expand economic opportunities, strengthen human capital and build a more productive and inclusive Nigerian economy,” he said.
The NASENI boss further explained that the agency’s intervention went beyond providing technical knowledge, as beneficiaries were also equipped with tools and financial support to enable them to put their newly acquired skills to immediate use.
“With this training, we have not only imparted knowledge; we have also provided starter packs and a cash token of N50,000 each, designed to help them begin their journey immediately.
“The knowledge you have gained here is a valuable asset. As you receive the starter packs today, please view them as tools for transformation. Use them wisely, practise diligently and remain committed to excellence. Your success will be the true measure of the impact of this programme,” he added.
Halilu also expressed appreciation to the Maigari of Lokoja, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Ibrahim Gambo Kabir Maikarfi IV, traditional chiefs, religious leaders and the political leadership of Lokoja for their support and cooperation throughout the programme.
In his keynote address, the Maigari of Lokoja commended NASENI for bringing the skills acquisition programme to his domain, describing the initiative as an important intervention in empowering young people and supporting the economic development of the community.
He urged the beneficiaries to make effective use of the knowledge and tools acquired during the training, noting that the programme had provided them with an opportunity to improve their technical competence, adopt modern working methods and strengthen their capacity to deliver quality electrical installation and maintenance services.
