“It’s a proof that Nigerian ingenuity can compete with the world.” – VP Shettima
In a bid to boost food security in Nigeria, the National Economic Council (NEC) has endorsed solar-powered irrigation pumps produced by the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) for national rollout ahead of the 2025 dry season farming.
The NASENI solar irrigation pump, produced to replace the petrol-powered pump, is aimed at reinforcing the nation’s food security strategy, as it is expected to increase agricultural productivity, lower operational cost, higher incomes and improve livelihoods.
At its 152nd meeting held on Thursday at Presidential Villa, Abuja, NEC endorsed the use of the solar irrigation pump and resolved to adequately notify President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his approval.
In anticipation of the President’s approval and the need to provide funding for NASENI, the Council also mandated the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, to work out modalities of funding to enable NASENI to mass produce the solar irrigation pumps and distribute in time for the 2025 dry season.
Chairman of the Council, Vice President Kashim Shettima, said the scaled-up solar irrigation pumps is an indication that Nigerians can compete at the global level with their creativity.
“We must also face the challenge of innovation in agriculture. 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 dry-season cultivation, and even provide backup power for households.
“Their advanced features, including GPS tracking, mobile app dashboards, usage monitoring, and pay-as-you-go integration, prove that Nigerian ingenuity can compete with the world,” he stated.
VP Shettima said the innovation by NASENI “will not only boost food security but also unlock carbon credit opportunities” for farmers across the country.
The NASENI solar irrigation pump is also, designed to help boost agricultural productivity by lowering operational costs for farmers, increasing yields, raising incomes, and improving rural livelihoods.
Speaking on the development, the Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NASENI, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, commended NEC’s resolution;
“NEC’s decision is a strong vote of confidence in our ability to deliver energy-efficient, homegrown solutions that will boost food production, lower costs for farmers, and secure livelihoods.
“Special appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the continuous support, ensuring NASENI remains at the forefront of advancing his administration’s reforms on industrialization, technology transfer, and food security. Together, we are building a more resilient agricultural sector, harvesting more sustainably and unlocking infinite possibilities for Nigeria.”
To facilitate immediate mass production and distribution of the pumps, NEC further mandated the Honourable Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, to work out funding modalities for NASENI.
In his remarks Vice President Kashim Shettima also hinted at other efforts by the Tinubu administration to ensure food security, saying recently, “250,000 farmers have been insured across eight states, the 30 percent Value Addition Bill is advancing, and the ₦250 billion Bank of Agriculture facility is being activated to reach smallholders.”
Based on updates from the Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit, VP Shettima further stated that, “The Green Imperative Project with Brazil is being repositioned for financing, while the World Bank-backed AGROW programme is mapping priority value chains for roll-out.
“The Harvesting Hope Caravan has reached half a million citizens in eight states, building trust and grassroots mobilisation. These are lifelines to farmers and proof that NEC’s decisions resonate beyond these chambers.”