NEC approves NASENI’s solar irrigation pumps for nationwide rollout

…as Council seeks Tinubu’s nod for mass production ahead of 2025 dry season

By Kunle Sanni –

The National Economic Council (NEC) has approved the adoption of solar-powered irrigation pumps developed by the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), as part of efforts to boost food security across Nigeria.

The decision, reached at NEC’s 152nd meeting held Thursday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, paves the way for the rollout of the innovation ahead of the 2025 dry-season farming. The Council also mandated the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, to work out funding arrangements for NASENI to commence large-scale production.

The solar-powered pumps are designed to replace traditional petrol-powered systems, reduce farmers’ costs, expand dry-season farming, and serve as backup power sources for households.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, who chaired the meeting, described the development as a landmark in Nigeria’s quest for self-reliance and global competitiveness.

“NASENI’s scaled-up solar irrigation pumps are ready for national rollout ahead of the 2025 dry season. These pumps replace expensive petrol-powered systems, lower farmers’ costs, expand cultivation, and even provide backup power. Their advanced features — including GPS tracking, mobile app dashboards, and pay-as-you-go integration — prove that Nigerian ingenuity can compete globally,” Shettima said.

The Vice President noted that beyond enhancing food security, the initiative could unlock carbon credit opportunities for Nigerian farmers. He also highlighted other ongoing government interventions, including the insurance of 250,000 farmers across eight states, progress on the 30% Value Addition Bill, and the rollout of a ₦250 billion Bank of Agriculture facility for smallholder farmers.

Shettima further disclosed updates from the Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit, including the repositioning of the Brazil-backed Green Imperative Project, the World Bank-supported AGROW programme, and grassroots mobilization through the Harvesting Hope Caravan.

Meanwhile, the Council reviewed presentations on Nigeria’s reform challenges ahead of the 31st Nigerian Economic Summit, received updates on national account balances, and endorsed a proactive Anticipatory Action Framework for riverine flooding presented by the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.