The Asset Restoration Programme (ARP) unveiled by the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) presents itself as a promising pivot for Nigeria’s industrial revival and national development. It proposes to breathe new life into dormant public assets and facilities—machinery, workshops, and technical centres—that could serve as the backbone of local manufacturing and technology-driven solutions.
However, no restoration programme, no matter how ambitious, can deliver long-term impact without being embedded in innovation and skilled execution. In a 21st-century economy, restoration is not just about reactivating old assets; it is about aligning them with modern industrial needs, technology adaptation, and human capital development. Anything less would amount to mere window dressing—yet another cosmetic show of effort without true transformation.
If NASENI’s Asset Restoration Programme is to be real, meaningful, and results-oriented, it must be driven by innovation-based skillsets, especially among its leadership and technical teams. Reviving outdated assets without modernising them for present-day relevance is a missed opportunity. Only when innovation is at the centre of this initiative can it serve as a springboard for local technology production, job creation, and economic diversification.
Furthermore, policy backing is non-negotiable. Sustainability will not come from ad hoc interventions or short-lived enthusiasm. The programme must be institutionalised by strong policy frameworks—ensuring that funding, technical partnerships, capacity building, and monitoring mechanisms are consistent and resilient, regardless of changes in leadership or political tides.
We therefore call on the management of NASENI to rise above the traditional culture of project announcements without measurable outcomes. The Nigerian public is weary of initiatives that start with noise and end in silence. What the nation needs now is a result-driven, policy-backed programme anchored on innovation, accountability, and measurable impact.
If NASENI can deliver on this promise, the Asset Restoration Programme may very well become a cornerstone of Nigeria’s march towards industrial self-reliance and inclusive economic growth. But that future depends entirely on deliberate action—not promises.
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