NASENI, Kaduna Govt Partner to Expand Drone Training, Skills and Clean Energy

The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has strengthened its partnership with the Kaduna State Government to expand technology training, local production and clean-energy solutions across the state.

The partnership was highlighted on Monday, October 19, 2026, during a series of activities that included the commissioning of a drone training centre, the groundbreaking of a skills development centre, the distribution of clean-energy solutions to households and the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement on technology transfer and local innovation.

A major highlight of the engagement was the commissioning of the NASENI-Caverton Drone Training Centre at the Air Force Institute of Technology in Rigachukun, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The facility was established through a partnership between NASENI and Caverton Helicopters under NasCav Technology Limited (NASCAV), with the aim of developing Nigeria’s capacity in unmanned aerial vehicle operations, including drone assembly, training and maintenance.

NASENI Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Khalil Suleiman Halilu, said the partnership was designed to strengthen Nigerian expertise in the aviation technology sector.

Halilu disclosed that two cohorts of drone pilots had already been trained in Kaduna, noting that drone technology could support sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure inspection, mapping, environmental monitoring and emergency response.

He said the economic benefits of the technology would depend on having trained operators, maintenance specialists and services capable of addressing practical needs.

The partnership is also supporting the use of drones in agriculture through precision farming and the SHEFLY initiative, which seeks to improve access to modern agricultural technology, particularly for rural women.

Alongside the drone training centre, NASENI also flagged off the construction of its NASENI Skill Development Centre (NSDC) in Rigachukun.

The centre is expected to provide practical technical and vocational training aimed at preparing young people for employment, entrepreneurship and self-reliance.

Halilu said the facility would provide industry-relevant training and practical experience while helping businesses improve productivity, equipment maintenance and production quality.

Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, welcomed the partnership, saying the two facilities would help provide young people with practical skills and opportunities for economic advancement.

The programme also extended to households through NASENI’s Sustainable Empowerment Programme (NSEP).

According to the agency, about 450 households in Kaduna received NASENI Home Solar Solutions, clean-energy cookstoves and other support items.

The intervention is aimed at bringing clean-energy technology closer to households and improving access to alternative sources of electricity and cleaner cooking solutions.

NASENI said the initiative forms part of its broader effort to ensure that technological development produces practical benefits for communities.

The agency also signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the Kaduna State Government to establish a framework for technology transfer, local capacity building and commercialisation of indigenous innovations.

The agreement covers areas including agriculture and agro-processing, housing and construction, renewable energy, construction and surveying equipment, technical assistance, technology business development, skills acquisition, research and development.

Under the agreement, NASENI is expected to provide equipment, technology, technical expertise and training, while the Kaduna State Government will provide land or sites, utilities and necessary approvals and facilitate access to relevant state institutions.