Leading Nigeria’s Advancement In Engineering Innovation And Capital Goods Development

In an era characterized by rapid technological progress and industrial transformation, Nigeria is boldly forging ahead towards self-reliance and global competitiveness. At the forefront of this paradigm shift is the Nigerian Engineering Design Development Institute (NEDDI), one of the 12 divisions of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), entrusted with the task of enhancing the nation’s engineering design capacity and crafting capital goods to propel industrial growth and development.

NEDDI has emerged as a pivotal force in Nigeria’s drive towards industrialisation. Through its unwavering commitment to innovation, partnerships with Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs), institutions of higher learning, industries and steadfast alignment with NASENI’s 3Cs agenda of Collaboration, Creation, and Commercialization, NEDDI is actively shaping Nigeria’s industrial landscape for the future.

NEDDI was established as one of the Institutes of NASENI with a clear mandate: to develop engineering design capacity in the country and its dissemination to the small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs), to ensure that made-in-Nigeria products are globally accepted. The goal of this mandate, therefore, is to bolster Nigeria’s engineering design capacity and transfer this expertise to local industries, particularly SMEs.

The justifications of this mandate were predicated on the realization by NASENI that technological growth and manufacturing breakthroughs are dependent on the capacity of the human capacity in engineering design and development. Thus, NEDDI became the catalyst for all NASENI’s research and Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) efforts.

It is therefore, based on the charge of its mandate that NEDDI has embarked on thorough rigorous Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) and Back-End Engineering Design (BEED). NEDDI has assumed a pivotal role in reverse engineering and the fabrication of industrial components that were once impossible or costly to import. In doing so, the institute has significantly reduced foreign dependency and enhanced Nigeria’s capacity to manufacture high-quality, locally made industrial tools and machinery.

NEDDI’s contributions to capital goods development are profound. Through relentless research and development (R&D), the Institute has designed and produced cutting-edge machinery that supports Nigeria’s burgeoning industrial sector. These capital goods are deployed across key industries, ensuring enduring industrial sustainability and competitiveness.

NEDDI proudly stands at the forefront of research and development (R&D) in the realms of reverse engineering and re-engineering, showcasing unmatched expertise and pioneering solutions that push the boundaries of innovation. The Institute has meticulously developed sophisticated techniques and methodologies that facilitate precise reverse engineering, allowing for the creation of highly accurate 3D models and digital representations of physical objects.

This advanced capability is crucial for a diverse array of industries looking to replicate existing components or elevate legacy systems through refined re-engineering processes. Whether it is agricultural machinery, medical devices, educational tools, automotive components, or civil engineering structures, NEDDI offers tailored solutions that cater to the unique needs of every sector.
These achievements in prototype development include a wide range of products, such as the NASENI M1 (Made-in-Nigeria Motorcycle), the Dual Powered Egg Incubator in 2017 and the Low Cost Inverter in 2020. These innovations demonstrate NEDDI’s commitment to creating locally-developed solutions that address specific needs in the Nigerian market.

Other products include, the Smokeless Incinerator; an Eco-burn incinerator which is born out of a collaboration with Kura Waste Management Solutions, this environmentally friendly incinerator promotes sustainable waste management practices, thus reducing pollution. This machine was designed and made in NEDDI and deployed in some institutions, estates, hospitals, and hospitality industries.
The Gas Hydrate Loop (GHL) represents a groundbreaking innovation in the oil industry, specifically designed for the exploration and management of gas hydrates. This sophisticated technology, otherwise sourced exclusively from regions in Europe, Asia, and the Americas, plays a vital role in enhancing the efficiency of gas hydrate management, which is crucial for optimizing energy production.
In a pioneering collaboration, NEDDI was approached by Laser Engineering and Resources Consultants Limited to assist in the development of this state-of-the-art technology, marking a significant milestone as the first-of-its-kind to be implemented in Africa. The Gas Hydrate Loop not only contributes to the advancement of energy strategies but also positions NASENI on the global map of innovative energy solutions.

One of the remarkable achievements stemming from the collaborative efforts of NEDDI is the development of the Convective Dryer. This innovative technology was created in partnership with the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State. The Convective Dryer is designed to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of pharmaceutical research and production processes.

By optimising moisture removal in the drying stage, this device not only accelerates production timelines but also improves the quality of the final pharmaceutical products. This collaboration reflects a commitment to advancing pharmaceutical technology and fostering academic-industrial partnerships to foster scientific advancements.

Motorcycle Clutch Lever Moulds, intricately designed and expertly manufactured by NEDDI for Obinaco Industries, play a crucial role in bolstering local manufacturing capabilities. By minimising reliance on imported automotive parts, these high-quality moulds not only streamline production processes but also significantly enhance the competitive edge of local manufacturers in the automotive industry.
With their precision engineering and innovative design, they represent a significant step towards fostering self-sufficiency and promoting sustainable industrial growth within the region. These achievements amongst others underscore NEDDI’s unwavering commitment to producing high-quality, locally made capital goods that precisely meet the needs of Nigerian industries while significantly contributing to the country’s economic growth.

At the heart of NEDDI’s success lies its multidisciplinary technical team. With expertise spanning various fields of engineering, these professionals are devoted to conceptualising, designing, and fabricating capital goods that precisely meet the needs of Nigeria’s industries. By focusing on industrial replacement parts, NEDDI has fortified the nation’s industrial base, bolstering productivity and ensuring that industries no longer have extended down time due to foreign exchange or freight or rely on costly imported parts.

A key pillar of NEDDI’s success lies in its focus on technology transfer. By collaborating with small and medium enterprises (SMEs), the Institute ensures that the knowledge and skills required to design and produce capital goods are shared with local manufacturers. This empowers SMEs to take the lead in producing their own capital goods, fostering innovation and reducing Nigeria’s reliance on imports. This NEDDI has achieved through trainings, seminars and workshops.

The institute’s partnerships with key players in the industrial sector, such as Obinaco Group, Chicason Group, and Cutix Cables Plc, have been instrumental in driving local production. These collaborations have enabled NEDDI to develop and commercialise products that are not only tailored to Nigeria’s needs but are also capable of competing in the global market.

Additionally, NEDDI’s training programmes for SMEs provide crucial capacity building. These programmes equip local manufacturers with the technical expertise needed to adopt and commercialise new technologies, further strengthening Nigeria’s industrial base. NASENI’s approach to technology transfer and commercialisation is fundamentally centred on bridging the often significant divide between academic research and practical industry applications.

This initiative is propelled by the visionary leadership of Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of NASENI. Under his guidance, the National Design and Development Innovation (NEDDI) programme has effectively aligned its objectives with the Agency’s ambitious agenda of Collaboration, Creation, and Commercialisation. This strategic focus not only emphasizes the importance of transforming innovative ideas into market-ready products but also reinforces NEDDI’s critical role in Nigeria’s industrial landscape.

By fostering partnerships with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), NASENI through NEDDI plays a pivotal role in equipping these businesses with essential skills in machine design and construction. This hands-on training is crucial in developing a competent workforce capable of creating products that meet global standards. Moreover, NASENI initiatives cultivate an environment ripe for innovation, ultimately contributing to the broader economic growth of Nigeria.

By ensuring that local enterprises are not only knowledgeable about the latest technological advancements but also skilled in adapting these innovations for industry use, NASENI is laying a strong groundwork for sustainable development and competitiveness in the global market. This holistic approach not only enhances the Institute’s relevance but also inspires a culture of creativity and collaboration across sectors, further driving Nigeria’s path toward industrialisation.

The Agency’s efforts in technology transfer extend to providing human capacity development programs in engineering design and software, as well as training in industrial electronics. This support accelerates the pace of manufacturing goods and services in Nigeria, enhancing the country’s industrial competitiveness on the global stage.