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Food supply

National Economic Council Endorses Solar-Powered Irrigation Pumps for National Rollout

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The 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, in a move to boost food security in Nigeria. The NASENI solar irrigation pump is aimed at increasing agricultural productivity, lowering operational costs, and improving livelihoods. Vice President Kashim Shettima, who chaired the 152nd monthly meeting, said the scaled-up solar irrigation pumps are ready for national rollout and will replace expensive petrol-powered systems, lower farmers' costs, and expand dry-season cultivation. The innovation by NASENI "will not only boost food security but also unlock carbon credit opportunities" for farmers across the country.

Key Takeaways:

  • The National Economic Council (NEC) has endorsed solar-powered irrigation pumps produced by National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) for national rollout.
  • The NASENI solar irrigation pump is aimed at increasing agricultural productivity, lowering operational costs, and improving livelihoods.
  • Vice President Kashim Shettima said the scaled-up solar irrigation pumps are ready for national rollout and will replace expensive petrol-powered systems, lower farmers' costs, and expand dry-season cultivation.
  • The innovation by NASENI "will not only boost food security but also unlock carbon credit opportunities" for farmers across the country.
  • The Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit has been working on scaling up solar irrigation pumps, and the unit has already conducted a successful pilot project in a state.
  • The council resolved to formally notify President Bola Tinubu for his approval and to provide funding for NASENI to mass produce the solar irrigation pumps.
  • Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, was mandated to work out modalities of funding to enable NASENI to start mass production.
  • NEC also commended the work of NASENI and resolved to widen the scope of the framework to include more states.
  • Governor of Jigawa State, Umar Namadi, presented a report on monthly cost of production survey and impact of energy cost on food production.
  • The council resolved to frontally tackle the challenges of high energy cost and fertilizer prices in the country.

Statistics:

  • 250,000 farmers have been insured across eight states.
  • The 30 per cent Value Addition Bill is advancing.
  • A total of N250 billion Bank of Agriculture facility is being activated to reach smallholders.
  • 16 states have fully established Local Emergency Management Committees (LEMC), while 14 states have none, four have partial setups, and three rely solely on desk officers.
  • The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has developed an anticipatory action framework for riverine flooding in Nigeria.

Sources:

  • THISDAY
  • National Economic Council (NEC)
  • National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI)
  • Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit (PFSCU)
  • Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu
  • Governor of Jigawa State, Umar Namadi
  • Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA)

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