The National Economic Council (NEC) has endorsed the deployment of solar-pump irrigation pumps manufactured by the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) across the country to be used before the 2025 dry season agriculture.
The action was taken during Thursday’s 152nd NEC meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, and chairperson Vice President Kashim Shettima.
The solar irrigation pumps to supersede petrol-fueled ones are aimed at consolidating Nigeria’s food security policy by enhancing farm production, reducing farmers’ costs, boosting incomes, and improving rural livelihoods.
For large-scale production prior to the dry season, NEC directed the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, to negotiate financing modalities prior to President Bola Tinubu‘s endorsement.
In a statement through his press secretary, Stanley Nkwocha, Vice President Shettima praised the innovation as evidence of Nigerian ingenuity, and also said the pumps not only reduce expenditure and enhance cultivation but also act as backup household power and provide opening carbon credit opportunities.
“These pumps replace expensive petrol-powered systems, reduce farmers’ expenses, improve dry-season agriculture, and prove Nigerian innovation to compete with the world’s best,” Shettima stated.
He went on to say the launch is also part of the administration’s broader food security efforts, including farmer insurance schemes, value addition reforms, and smallholder financing facilities.
Among the other top items discussed at the meeting were the presentation by the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) of global economic threats, updates on Nigeria’s Anticipatory Action Framework for combating flooding, and discussions on the price of energy and fertilizers impacting food production.
The Council resolved to intensify farm reforms, address rising input prices, and build support for Renewed Hope Agenda by President Tinubu.
