NASENI's Solar-Powered Irrigation Pumps Gets Nationwide Rollout Approval from NEC

Strategic Insights -

The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has been endorsed by the National Economic Council (NEC) for the nationwide rollout of its solar-powered irrigation pumps ahead of the 2025 dry-season farming. This decision, taken at NEC's 152nd meeting, underscores the Council's confidence in NASENI's capacity to deliver homegrown, energy-efficient solutions to address Nigeria's food security challenges. NASENI developed the solar-powered irrigation pump as an affordable, energy-efficient, and sustainable alternative to the high-cost fuel-powered pumps that Nigerian farmers have relied on for decades. The pump is designed to boost agricultural productivity by lowering operational costs, increasing yields, raising incomes, and improving rural livelihoods.

Key Takeaways:

  • NASENI's solar-powered irrigation pumps have been endorsed by the National Economic Council (NEC) for nationwide rollout ahead of the 2025 dry-season farming.
  • The pumps are designed to address Nigeria's food security challenges by providing an affordable, energy-efficient, and sustainable alternative to fuel-powered irrigation pumps.
  • The solar-powered irrigation pumps are expected to boost agricultural productivity by lowering operational costs, increasing yields, raising incomes, and improving rural livelihoods.
  • The pumps are a result of NASENI's 3Cs mandate; Creation, Collaboration, and Commercialisation.
  • Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NASENI, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, commended NEC's resolution and expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continuous support.
  • NEC mandated the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, to work out funding modalities for NASENI to facilitate immediate mass production and distribution of the pumps.

Statistics:

  • Number of years Nigerian farmers have struggled with the high cost of irrigation fueled by fuel-powered pumps: decades.
  • Number of the NEC meeting held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, where the decision was taken: 152nd meeting.
  • Target year for the nationwide rollout of NASENI's solar-powered irrigation pumps: 2025 dry-season farming.
  • Mandate given to the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu: to work out funding modalities for NASENI to facilitate immediate mass production and distribution of the pumps.

Sources:

  • NASENI's welcome announcement.
  • NEC's 152nd meeting.
  • Statement by the Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NASENI, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu.
  • Statement by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
  • Announcement by NEC.