AgriTech: NEC endorses NASENI solar-powered irrigation pumps for rollout across Nigeria

*The National Economic Council endorses the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure’s solar-powered irrigation pumps nationwide rollout ahead of the 2025 dry-season farming

Alexander Davis | ConsumerConnect

The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has acknowledged the recent endorsement of its solar-powered irrigation pumps by the National Economic Council (NEC) for nationwide rollout ahead of the 2025 dry-season farming.

NASENI said the NEC took the landmark decision at its 152nd meeting held Thursday, September 18, 2025, in the Presidential Villa, Abuja, FCT.

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The agency also said the endorsement has underscored the Council’s confidence in NASENI’s capacity to deliver homegrown, energy-efficient solutions that directly respond to Nigeria’s food security challenges.

It is noted that Nigerian farmers, for decades, have struggled with the high cost of irrigation, heavily dependent on fuel-powered pumps.

Subsequently, in line with its 3Cs mandate—Creation, Collaboration, and Commercialisation—NASENI developed the solar-powered irrigation pump as an affordable, energy-efficient, and sustainable alternative.

The agency further explained that its solar irrigation pump was designed to help boost agricultural productivity by lowering operational costs for farmers, increasing yields, raising incomes, and improving rural livelihoods.

Speaking on the development, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, Executive Vice-Chairman/Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of NASENI, commended Council’s resolution.

“NEC’s decision is a strong vote of confidence in our ability to deliver energy-efficient, homegrown solutions that will boost food production, lower costs for farmers, and secure livelihoods.

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“Special appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the continuous support, ensuring NASENI remains at the forefront of advancing his administration’s reforms on industrialisation, technology transfer, and food security.

“Together, we are building a more resilient agricultural sector, harvesting more sustainably and unlocking infinite possibilities for Nigeria.”

According to NASENI, to facilitate immediate mass production and distribution of the pumps, NEC further mandated the Honourable Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, to work out funding modalities for NASENI.

This endorsement reinforces NASENI’s role as a key driver of President Tinubu’s #RenewedHope Agenda, particularly in advancing industrialisation, local technology transfer, and sustainable solutions for national prosperity, the agency stated.