NEC Approves NASENI’s Solar Pumps for Farmers

Vice President Kashim Shettima (centre); Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of NASENI, Khalil Suleiman Halilu; and state governors endorsing NASENI’s solar-powered irrigation system during the 152nd NEC meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

From right: Vice President Kashim Shettima; NASENI Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, Khalil Suleiman Halilu; and Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff F. O. Oborevwori, inspecting the Agency’s electric tricycles during the 152nd NEC meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

NEC Approves NASENI’s Solar Pumps for Farmers

By Gloria Sarauniya Usman

ABUJA, NIGERIA September, 2025 - The National Economic Council (NEC) has endorsed the nationwide deployment of solar-powered irrigation pumps developed by the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) ahead of the 2025 dry-season farming.

The decision, taken at NEC’s 152nd meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, reflects confidence in NASENI’s capacity to deliver homegrown, energy-efficient solutions to Nigeria’s food security challenges. For years, farmers have relied on costly, fuel-powered pumps that limit productivity and raise expenses.

From right: Vice President Kashim Shettima and NASENI Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, Khalil Suleiman Halilu, inspecting the Agency’s electric tricycles during the 152nd NEC meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

NASENI’s Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, hailed the move as a milestone for agricultural transformation. “This 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,” he said, while commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting the agency’s role in advancing industrialization and food security.

Designed under NASENI’s 3Cs mandate—Creation, Collaboration, and Commercialization—the solar-powered irrigation pumps aim to cut operational costs, improve yields, and strengthen rural livelihoods. NEC further mandated the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, to work out funding modalities to fast-track mass production and distribution.

This development cements NASENI’s role in driving President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in promoting local technology transfer, industrialization, and sustainable solutions for national prosperity.