The National Economic Council (NEC) has endorsed the mass production and national rollout of solar-powered irrigation pumps developed by the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI).
The initiative, which seeks to replace petrol-powered pumps, is a key component of the nation’s strategy to enhance food security ahead of the 2025 dry season farming.
At its 152nd meeting held in Abuja on Thursday, the NEC unanimously supported the use of the NASENI pumps, and is seeking President Bola Tinubu’s approval for their mass production.
The Council mandated the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Bagudu, to develop a funding plan to enable NASENI to meet the production and distribution targets in time for the 2025 dry season.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, who chairs the NEC, praised the innovation, stating it proves that “Nigerian ingenuity can compete with the world.”
He highlighted the advanced features of the pumps, which include GPS tracking, mobile app dashboards, usage monitoring, and a pay-as-you-go integration system.
Shettima added that the technology will not only improve food security but also create opportunities for farmers to earn carbon credits. He also provided updates on other government initiatives aimed at strengthening the agricultural sector.
Shettima noted that 250,000 farmers in eight states have been insured, a N250 billion Bank of Agriculture facility is being activated, and the World Bank-backed AGROW programme is mapping priority value chains.
He also mentioned that the “Harvesting Hope Caravan” has reached half a million citizens in eight states.
In addition to food security, the NEC meeting also discussed other key national issues. The Council noted that the balance in the Excess Crude Account as of 17 September 2025 stood at $535,823.39.
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It received a presentation on the 31st Nigerian Economic Summit, themed “The Reform Imperative: Building a Prosperous and Inclusive Nigeria by 2030.”
The report outlined challenges including structural bottlenecks, political economy risks, and global pressures. The NEC pledged to take part in the summit in line with the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, briefed the Council on Nigeria’s Anticipatory Action Framework to reduce the impact of riverine flooding.
The plan provides N24 billion for multipurpose cash support, early warning systems, and coordinated responses. The Council praised the framework and asked the NSA to expand it to cover more states.
The Governor of Jigawa State also presented a memo on the rising cost of agricultural production, pointing to the effect of energy and fertiliser prices.
The Council agreed to tackle these issues and directed the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekperikpe, to work with stakeholders on the cost and supply of domestic gas.
The NEC’s endorsement of the NASENI solar irrigation pumps marks a significant step towards a more sustainable and productive agricultural future for Nigeria.
