NASENI Named Best Federal MDA In Digital Transformation At 8th Nigeria e-Government Summit, Awards
By Rashidat Olushola Okunlade| Lagos
A Landmark Recognition for Digital Governance
The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has been named the 2025/2026 Best Federal MDA in Digital Transformation at the 8th Nigeria e-Government Summit and Awards, held on September 10, 2026, at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.
The award adds another accolade to the Agency’s growing profile for high performance, efficiency, and ongoing reforms under the leadership of its Executive Vice Chairman, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu.
The Numbers Behind the Win
NASENI emerged winner among three Federal MDAs nominees with 57.4% of the votes cast, with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) as first runner-up with 25.6%, and the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) as second runner-up with 16.9%.
Position Agency Percentage
Winner NASENI 57.4%
First Runner-Up NIMC 25.6%
Second Runner-Up NRS 16.9%
The assessments and rankings by the Summit covered the 2025/2026 period.
A Transformation Story: From Paper to Digital
According to the convener of the Summit and Awards, Engr. Lanre Ajayi, NASENI’s recognition marks a significant milestone in the transformation of the Agency since Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu assumed office as its leader.
The EVC/CEO was represented at the Award Dinner by the Director of Information, New Media and Protocol, Mr. Segun Ayeoyenikan, who took the audience through the digital transformation ongoing in NASENI, including the benefits of the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, among others.
In his goodwill message on behalf of the EVC/CEO, Ayeoyenikan said:
“I would like to report that NASENI is at the forefront of promoting the culture that all governance systems in Nigeria become digitized. At NASENI, you don’t see papers anymore, the offices and all our tables are cleared of papers, we have digitized not only administration, but all our operations.”
He further stressed that this demonstrates NASENI’s full awareness of the importance of digitizing operational systems for greater efficiency and productivity.
A Rigorous Selection Process
Earlier, the convener of the e-Government Summit & Awards, Mr. Ajayi, said the Awards should not be perceived as a mere feat because it took 33,785 Nigerians to cast their votes for the selection of winners, with a lot of mechanisms put in place to ensure that no one voted twice.
He further affirmed:
“The Award night belongs to, above all, the extraordinary Nigerians who have refused to accept the status quo in the delivery of government services… your nominations are not merely entries in a competition; they are testimonies. They are evidence of what is possible when public servants lead with vision, when technology leaders lead with purpose, when governors govern with ambition, and when individuals dedicate themselves to causes greater than themselves.”
About the Nigeria e-Government Summit and Awards
The Nigeria e-Government Excellence Awards is the flagship recognition programme of the Nigeria e-Government Summit, Nigeria’s premier annual platform dedicated to advancing digital governance.
The Summit brings together policymakers, technology leaders, public servants, and private-sector stakeholders to explore strategies for deepening digital transformation across all levels of government.
Strategic Implications: Digital Governance as a National Priority
Analysts say NASENI’s recognition reflects a broader shift in Nigeria’s public sector — a growing recognition that digital transformation is not merely a technological upgrade but a fundamental governance imperative.
Several factors underpin this shift:
The Efficiency Dividend
By eliminating paper-based processes, agencies like NASENI are reducing costs, accelerating decision-making, and improving service delivery.
The Transparency Imperative
Digital systems create audit trails, reduce opportunities for corruption, and enhance accountability, critical priorities for public trust.
The Innovation Signal
NASENI’s award sends a signal that agencies embracing technology will be recognised and rewarded, creating incentives for others to follow.
The Public Verification
The fact that 33,785 Nigerians participated in the voting process adds a layer of public legitimacy to the award, it is not merely an insider recognition but a reflection of citizen perception.
The Road Ahead
As Nigeria pursues its digital economy ambitions, the role of agencies like NASENI will become increasingly central. The Agency’s recognition at the 8th Nigeria e-Government Summit and Awards is both a celebration of progress and a challenge to sustain momentum.
For NASENI, the award is a validation of its reforms under Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu. For Nigeria’s public sector, it is a reminder that digital transformation is not optional, it is essential.
This special report is part of ROTAMediaNews’ ongoing coverage of digital governance, public sector reform, and innovation in Nigeria. Follow us for exclusive insights and in-depth analysis.
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