NEC seek more funding for NASENI’s solar irrigation pumps to boost food Security

…Says it’s a proof that Nigerian ingenuity can compete with the world

In a bid to boost food security in Nigeria, the National Economic Council (NEC) on Thursday, appealed to President Bola Tinubu to fund mass production of the solar-powered irrigation pumps produced by the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (Nonsense)

This followed the endorsement of the pumps by NEC, composed of Governors of the 36 states and headed by Vice President Kashim Shettima

The NEC called for national rollout of the solar pump, ahead of the 2025 dry season farming.

The NASENI solar irrigation pump, produced to replace the petrol-powered pump, is considered more cost effective and easy to manage

Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, while applauding the NASENI initiative, said the pumps will aid farmers in reducing costs, while 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 Atiku Bagudu, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, 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.

Shettima said the innovation by NASENI “will not only boost food security but also unlock carbon credit opportunities” for farmers across the country.

Th Council gave the balance of Excess Crude Account, as at 17th September , 2025, at, $535,823.39, the Stabilization account stands at N83,495,784,133.24 , while the Natural Resources account stands at N 125,818, 396, 257.41, as at the same date.