In a move to boost food security in Nigeria, National Economic Council (NEC) has endorsed solar-powered irrigation pumps produced by 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 country’s food security strategy, as it was expected to increase agricultural productivity, lower operational cost, yield higher incomes, and improve livelihoods.
Rising from its 152nd monthly meeting held at Council Chambers, State House, Abuja, and chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima on Thursday, NEC endorsed the use of the solar irrigation pump and resolved to formally notify President Bola Tinubu for his approval.
In anticipation of the president’s approval and the need to provide funding for NASENI, the council also mandated Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar 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.
