NASENI sets out plans for a metal AM hub in Nigeria

The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has presented plans for a metal additive manufacturing hub in Nigeria at the second edition of its Science Perspective Engagement Series, held this week at the Technology Orientation Center at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja.

The paper behind the proposal, “The Science of Layer-by-Layer Fabrication of High-Value Metallic Components: Towards Establishing Nigeria’s Metal Additive Manufacturing Hub,” was authored by Abdulrahman Barkindo Bawuro, Overseeing Officer of the Advanced Manufacturing Technology Development Institute (AMTDI), which is a NASENI division based in Jalingo, Taraba State. Chief Engineer Dr. Okechukwu Chijioke delivered it on his behalf.

Bawuro’s outline places the full production chain on one site: digital product design, process simulation, laser powder-fusion systems, powder recovery and recycling, surface finishing, and quality assurance. 

He listed aerospace, automotive, healthcare, energy, oil and gas, construction and defense as sectors already using metal AM, for components including aircraft parts, medical implants, turbine systems, electric vehicle parts, pistons, brake calipers and oilfield equipment.

Domestic capacity would keep money in Nigeria that currently pays for imported components, Bawuro explained, and would extend value addition in the solid minerals sector, with locally processed minerals feeding metal powder production. The hub would also create skilled jobs and generate revenue.

For funding, a public-private partnership was proposed, with government supplying enabling infrastructure and private companies contributing specialized equipment, technical expertise and investment capital.

Dr. Hassan Bakare, Deputy Director and Head of Research and Laboratory Development at NASENI, described the series as a platform for knowledge exchange.