Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The National Economic Council, NEC, has endorsed the rollout of solar-powered irrigation pumps designed by the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure, NASENI, describing the innovation as a game-changer for food security and proof of Nigeria’s capacity to compete globally in technology.
The decision was taken at NEC’s 152nd meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, with a resolution to seek President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval for mass production of the pumps ahead of the 2025 dry season farming.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, who chaired the meeting, said the innovation underscored the Tinubu administration’s commitment to boosting agricultural productivity and lowering energy costs for farmers.
“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,” he stated.
Shettima added that the advanced features of the solar pumps demonstrated that Nigerian technology can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with global innovations.
“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 said.
The Vice President noted that the rollout would not only strengthen food security but also open up new carbon credit opportunities for Nigerian farmers.
In preparation for mass production, NEC mandated the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, to work out a funding framework for NASENI to deliver the pumps in time for farmers before the dry season begins.
Shettima also highlighted broader steps taken by the Tinubu administration to safeguard food security, noting that:
“250,000 farmers have been insured across eight states, the 30 percent Value Addition Bill is advancing, and the N250 billion Bank of Agriculture facility is being activated to reach smallholders.”
He said other complementary programmes were underway, including repositioning the Brazil-backed Green Imperative Project for financing and mapping agricultural value chains under the World Bank-supported AGROW programme.
The VP further disclosed that grassroots mobilisation through the Harvesting Hope Caravan had already reached 500,000 citizens in eight states, building trust with rural farmers.
“These are lifelines to farmers and proof that NEC’s decisions resonate beyond these chambers,” he affirmed.
With the endorsement, the Council urged transparency, speed, and inclusivity in distributing the solar pumps, stressing that the innovation could cut reliance on costly fuel-powered pumps, reduce emissions, and boost incomes across rural farming communities.
