The National Economic Council (NEC) has approved the nationwide deployment of solar-powered irrigation pumps developed by the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) ahead of the 2025 dry-season farming season.
The decision, taken at NEC’s 152nd meeting at the Presidential Villa, is aimed at reducing farmers’ dependence on costly fuel-powered pumps and supporting efforts to boost food security.
NASENI said the solar-powered pumps are designed to lower irrigation costs, increase yields and improve rural livelihoods.
Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NASENI, Khalil Suleiman Halilu, welcomed the approval, describing it as a vote of confidence in the agency’s ability to deliver homegrown, energy-efficient technologies.
“NEC’s decision will boost food production, lower costs for farmers and secure livelihoods,” he said, while thanking President Bola Tinubu for supporting the initiative as part of his administration’s industrialisation and food security reforms.
To facilitate mass production and distribution, NEC also directed the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, to work out funding modalities for the rollout.
The endorsement reinforces NASENI’s role in driving Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in industrialisation, technology transfer and sustainable development.
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