The National Economic Council (NEC), presided over by Vice President Kashim Shettima, has given its approval for the nationwide rollout of solar-powered irrigation pumps designed by the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), marking a major step in the Federal Government’s strategy to secure the nation’s food supply.
The endorsement, which came during the Council’s 152nd meeting in Abuja, paves the way for the pumps to be deployed ahead of the 2025 dry season farming cycle. Unlike the conventional petrol-powered systems, the solar-driven technology is expected to cut costs for farmers, increase yields, and improve livelihoods.
Speaking at the meeting, Vice President Shettima described the decision as a breakthrough in Nigeria’s agricultural transformation agenda. “We cannot continue to rely on outdated and expensive methods that weigh farmers down,” he said. “This innovation by NASENI is not just about irrigation; it is about empowering our farmers, protecting their incomes, and securing food for millions of Nigerians.”
Beyond lowering costs, the solar pumps are expected to reduce carbon emissions, strengthen the adoption of renewable technologies, and open fresh opportunities for local manufacturing. Experts say the move could reshape Nigeria’s rural economy by encouraging year-round farming and cutting the nation’s reliance on food imports.
The approval builds on several agricultural initiatives launched in recent years. Programmes such as the Anchor Borrowers’ Scheme and the National Irrigation Policy created pathways for growth but struggled with issues of financing and infrastructure. The Federal Government has also recently insured 250,000 farmers across eight states, advanced the 30 percent Value Addition Bill to encourage agro-processing, and activated a ₦250 billion Bank of Agriculture facility to support smallholders.
Shettima highlighted these reforms as part of a wider strategy to restore confidence in the sector. “The Tinubu administration is determined to give farmers the tools, financing, and policies they need to succeed. This Council’s decision today is another bold step towards food sufficiency and economic resilience,” he added.
Observers note that if the rollout is properly executed and accompanied by financing and farmer training, the project could become one of the most impactful agricultural reforms in recent years. By linking innovation with accessibility, it has the potential to reposition farming as a more profitable and sustainable enterprise.
In conclusion, the NEC’s endorsement of NASENI’s solar irrigation pumps is widely seen as a turning point for Nigeria’s agricultural sector. It represents not only a technological upgrade but also a promise of greater food security, improved rural livelihoods, and a more resilient economy in the face of global and domestic challenges.
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