The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure, NASENI, has presented a range of newly developed agricultural implements to the National Economic Council, in line with the Presidential directive to enhance local agricultural mechanisation.
At the September NEC meeting presided over by Vice President Kashim Shettima, NASENI showcased samples of its locally manufactured tricycles and solar-powered pumping machines designed to support farmers and boost food production.
The NASENI solar irrigation pump, designed to replace petrol-powered pumps, is part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s food security strategy. The innovation is expected to boost agricultural productivity, reduce operational costs, raise farmers’ incomes, and improve rural livelihoods.
At its 152nd meeting, held on Thursday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, the National Economic Council (NEC) endorsed the adoption of the solar irrigation pump and resolved to notify President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approval.
In anticipation of the President’s approval and the need to provide funding for NASENI, the Council also mandated the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, to work out the modalities of funding to enable NASENI to mass-produce the solar irrigation pumps and distribute them in time for the 2025 dry season.
Chairman of the Council, Vice President Kashim Shettima, said; “the scaled-up solar irrigation pumps are an indication that Nigerians can compete at the global level with their creativity.”
“We must also face the challenge of innovation in agriculture. NASENI’s scaled-up solar irrigation pumps are ready for national rollout ahead of the 2025 dry season. These pumps replace expensive petrol-powered systems, lower farmers’ costs, expand dry-season cultivation, and even provide backup power for households.
“Their advanced features, including GPS tracking, mobile app dashboards, usage monitoring, and pay-as-you-go integration, prove that Nigerian ingenuity can compete with the world,” he stated.
Carbon Credit
VP Shettima said the innovation by NASENI “will not only boost food security but also unlock carbon credit opportunities for farmers across the country.”
The Vice President hinted at other efforts by the Tinubu administration to ensure food security, saying recently, “250,000 farmers have been insured across eight states, the 30 per cent Value Addition Bill is advancing, and the ₦250 billion Bank of Agriculture facility is being activated to reach smallholders.”
Based on updates from the Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit, VP Shettima said,;“The Green Imperative Project with Brazil is being repositioned for financing, while the World Bank-backed AGROW programme is mapping priority value chains for roll-out.
“The Harvesting Hope Caravan has reached half a million citizens in eight states, building trust and grassroots mobilisation. These are lifelines to farmers and proof that NEC’s decisions resonate beyond these chambers.”