In a world that is often preoccupied with the future, Khalil Halilu, Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NASENIHQ (National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure), believes true success lies in fully embracing the present. With a philosophy that goes “If you take care of the minutes and days, the years will take care of themselves,” he focuses on each moment, both in his professional and personal life. This mindset, combined with his dedication to innovation and a balanced lifestyle, has led Khalil to create a transformative impact across industries, inspiring others to follow his lead and build a meaningful future—emerging as one of the most successful business leaders to watch in 2025.
A Foundation Rooted in Entrepreneurial Spirit
Born into a family of entrepreneurs, Khalil Halilu grew up surrounded by the energy of enterprise in Kano, known as the commercial heart of Northern Nigeria. As the center of trade and commerce for centuries, this city provided the perfect backdrop for cultivating Khalil’s entrepreneurial instincts.
His academic journey mirrored his innate passion for business and innovation. With a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Technology and a Master’s degree in International Business from Hertfordshire University in the UK, Khalil equipped himself with the tools needed to navigate the global business world. Even during his university years, he demonstrated a knack for entrepreneurship—be it organizing events, deejaying, or diving into software development.
Post-graduation, Khalil joined the family business, where he took on the role of COO for its beverage subsidiary. This position sharpened his leadership skills and improved his understanding of business operations and its complexities.
Building on this foundation, Khalil ventured to carve his own path—founding OyaOya, a pioneering commodity-on-demand marketplace, and ShapShap, an award-winning app revolutionizing last-mile logistics. He also launched The CANs, West Africa’s first eco-friendly technology hub that combined co-working spaces with innovation consulting services in Abuja.
“Khalil has consistently demonstrated a commitment to blending technology and business to solve real-world challenges, fostering growth, and driving sustainable innovation across industries.”
Lessons from the Family Business
Serving as the COO was pivotal for Khalil Halilu, marking his first hands-on experience in managing a business. While he approached it as an opportunity to put theory into practice, it also came with its own set of challenges.
As a young leader eager to innovate, Khalil quickly realized that change within an established organization required more than just ideas—it demanded patience, negotiation, and a deep understanding of organizational culture. His efforts to introduce new approaches and modernize operations taught him how to balance ambition with pragmatism. From navigating interpersonal relationships to managing differing perspectives, Khalil gained insights that have shaped his leadership style ever since.
Inspirations That Shape a Visionary
Two towering figures have profoundly influenced Khalil Halilu’s approach to life and business: Steve Jobs and Aliko Dangote.
Steve Jobs’ philosophy resonates with Khalil, particularly his belief in authenticity, collaboration, perseverance, and using technology as a tool to enhance human life. Jobs’ ability to merge innovation with impact—transforming industries and leaving an enduring legacy—serves as a constant reminder to think beyond the present and strive for meaningful change. His lessons on speed, adaptability, and improving quality of life inspire Khalil to push boundaries in his own ventures.
Closer to home, Aliko Dangote, a fellow Kano native, represents the heights of possibility. For Khalil, Dangote’s success is both personal and aspirational—a lesson in what can be achieved with determination and vision. Dangote’s relentless energy, ability to build connections across cultures, and knack for tackling challenges head-on are qualities Khalil admires and strives to embody. His pan-Nigerian, pan-African, and cosmopolitan approach inspires Khalil to think globally while staying deeply rooted in his heritage.
As for his own legacy, this is Khalil’s:
“I would like to be known as someone whose innovative ideas in the private and public sectors have transformed sectors and industries, created economic opportunities, and inspired young people to succeed.”
Evolving Leadership in Diverse Sectors
Khalil Halilu’s journey across the private, philanthropic, and public sectors has shaped his leadership style significantly. Transitioning from leading agile startups and philanthropic initiatives to overseeing a large public sector agency in Nigeria—with 10 engineering institutes spread across the nation—has introduced him to new challenges and growth opportunities.
Over the years, Khalil has broadened his perspective—learning to process and manage an immense volume of information while ensuring effective decision-making. Delegation has become a major focus, as the scale and complexity of public sector operations require an approach that empowers teams and trusts their expertise. This shift has refined Khalil’s leadership ability to balance strategic oversight with operational efficiency—ensuring that every initiative aligns with broader institutional goals.
Core Principles and a Vision for Transformation
“Focus, integrity, humility, dynamism, and a relentless focus on achieving results form the foundation of Khalil’s approach to life and work.”
Collaboration and synergy are also central to his philosophy. Khalil firmly believes that the most transformative solutions arise from working together, harnessing diverse strengths, and fostering partnerships to achieve lasting impact.
The common thread in all of Khalil’s endeavors is his passion for bridging the technology gap between Africa and the rest of the world. He is a firm believer in the transformative potential of both existing and emerging technologies. Khalil has dedicated his efforts to leveraging innovation as a force for progress—through startups, public sector leadership, or philanthropic initiatives, his mission is to unlock technology’s power to create a brighter future for Africa.
Navigating Leadership Challenges
Leadership, as Khalil has discovered, is as much about managing people as it is about strategy. One of the most significant leadership challenges is inspiring and motivating teams to consistently deliver their best work. For Khalil, this requires understanding individual and collective dynamics, fostering a sense of purpose, and creating an environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute meaningfully.
Another challenge is staying true to one’s ideals despite the pressures of leadership. Balancing the demands of decision-making with personal principles can be difficult, but Khalil believes it is essential to remain grounded—not letting failure discourage you or pride in success take over.
“True leadership is about maintaining clarity of purpose, ensuring that each step taken aligns with the greater mission.”
The Power of Building Exceptional Teams
For Khalil, the cornerstone of success lies in assembling smart, talented individuals and fostering a collaborative environment. In every venture, he prioritizes creating a team whose collective capabilities far exceed the potential of any single person. This belief reflects a fundamental truth: collaboration amplifies innovation, problem-solving, and impact.
Guided by Steve Jobs’ philosophy that “Great things in business are never done by one person,” Khalil cultivates teams that are not only high-performing but also constantly on the lookout for opportunities to excel. By aligning diverse talents around shared goals, he ensures that every project benefits from a synergy that drives results.
Success Driven through Innovation
In the fields of startups, science, technology, manufacturing, and industrialization, Khalil believes that innovation is the defining factor for success. The ability to innovate—constantly and effectively—determines whether an organization thrives or crumbles.
Leading NASENI (National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure), Khalil is reminded daily of the vital role of innovation in shaping progress.
For him, innovation is not just about generating new ideas—it’s about applying them to solve real-world problems, drive growth, and create transformative impact. This focus on innovation propels every organization he leads, ensuring they remain competitive and relevant across industries.
The Path to Entrepreneurial Success
Khalil Halilu emphasizes that becoming a successful entrepreneur is not about shortcuts. It’s about the willingness to venture into uncharted territory and push the boundaries of what’s possible. According to Khalil, entrepreneurship requires stepping into spaces where others may hesitate to go—driven by the conviction that progress lies in the unknown. To succeed in today’s world, entrepreneurs must be bold, willing to embrace uncertainty and take calculated risks that lead to innovation and growth.
Building a Stronger Future for Nigeria
NASENI’s journey of transformation has been driven by its comprehensive and strategic approach, culminating in the development of the Strategic Launchpad—a product of intense brainstorming and consultations. The Launchpad is built upon four key pillars, designed to address Nigeria’s most pressing challenges.
These pillars are:
- Enhance Nigeria’s Manufacturing Capacity
- Reduce Nigeria’s Import Bill through R&D
- Strategically Reposition NASENI
- Leverage the Comparative Advantages of Nigeria’s 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory
These pillars have enabled NASENI to shift from its traditional role in prototype development to actively rolling out market-ready products—through innovative solutions such as computers, solar irrigation pumps, lithium batteries, smartphones, and even electric vehicles—all of which contribute to the strengthening of Nigeria’s manufacturing sector and the reduction of reliance on imports.
Leveraging Technology for Africa’s Future
New technologies such as Artificial Intelligence hold immense potential for the transformation of African economies, providing the opportunity to bypass traditional development stages—much like the mobile phone revolutionized communication across the continent over the past two decades.
For Khalil Halilu, this potential is crucial for unlocking opportunities for Africa’s young people, but to truly harness these technologies, the right foundation must be laid. That foundation starts with preparation, education, and investment. Khalil also emphasizes the need for training, providing access to tools, and securing the necessary funding to support innovative ideas and foster entrepreneurship. He believes, only then can Africa fully capitalize on its technological potential and pave the way for the next generation of transformative leaders.
To drive this vision forward, NASENI is engaging in strategic partnerships with international companies. These include a US$150 million joint venture with a Chinese company to establish a Lithium-Ion Battery Manufacturing and Processing Factory in Nigeria, positioning the country as a key player in the growing global demand for clean energy solutions. Additionally, NASENI has partnered with an Indonesian company to develop a coal-based fertilizer factory, further diversifying Nigeria’s industrial landscape.
These initiatives are complemented by an ongoing collaboration with the Czech Republic government, focused on co-financing projects between companies from both countries to strengthen innovation and foster mutual growth.
Moreover, NASENI’s work extends to supporting the next generation of women engineers in Nigeria through DELT-Her (“Developing Engineering Leaders through Her”). This program provides grants, tools, and mentorship, empowering women to take on leadership roles in engineering and technology, and helping close the gender gap in these critical fields.
The Importance of Balance
Khalil firmly believes that enjoying life outside of work is just as important as excelling in one’s career. As an avid horse lover and polo player, he makes sure to carve out time for his horses and polo games.
“When you enjoy both your work and your play, you’ll naturally find time for them,” says Khalil Halilu. “It’s about maintaining a balance that brings fulfillment in all aspects of life.” This philosophy extends beyond personal hobbies to family life. Khalil emphasizes that when you enjoy spending time with your loved ones, finding time for them becomes effortless.
About The Leader

Name: Khalil Halilu |
Designation: Executive Vice Chairman & Chief Executive Officer |
Company Name: NASENIHQ (National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure) |
Founded: 1992 |
Headquarters: Abuja, FCT |
Company Website: https://naseni.gov.ng/ Khalil Suleiman Halilu (KSH) Foundation : https://ksh.africa/ Khalil Halilu Website: https://khalilhalilu.com/ |

5 Key Insights from Khalil Halilu’s Journey
Embracing the Present for Success: Khalil emphasizes that focusing on daily tasks leads to long-term success, both professionally and personally.
Innovating Across Sectors: Through ventures like OyaOya and ShapShap, Khalil uses technology to drive economic progress and transform industries.
Leadership Lessons from Family Business: His experience as COO taught him the importance of patience, negotiation, and balancing bold ideas with practical execution.
Global Vision, Local Impact: Inspired by Steve Jobs and Aliko Dangote, Khalil bridges the technology gap between Africa and the world, encouraging others to think globally.
Transforming Nigeria’s Tech Landscape: At NASENI, Khalil leads Nigeria’s technological advancement, creating market-ready innovations and forming strategic global partnerships.