By Johnbosco Agbakwuru
ABUJA — AGAIN, the National Economic Council, NEC, at its 152nd meeting, declined deliberations on the pending issue of State Police to curb insecurity across the country.

It, however, endorsed solar-powered irrigation pumps produced by the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure, NASENI, for national rollout ahead of the 2025 dry season farming.
Recall that President Bola Tinubu’s backing for the establishment of State Police had attracted accolades for him from different segments of the country.
No fewer than 34 state governors had also expressed their support for the establishment of state Police.
It was gathered that the matter was scheduled for discussion at the last NEC meeting but was stepped down.
Although, there were expectations that going by its importance, it would be one of the cardinal things to be deliberated upon at the 152nd NEC, but a source at the meeting said it was not even in the agenda.
Moves to boost food security
The NASENI solar irrigation pump, produced to replace the petrol-powered pump, is aimed at reinforcing the nation’s food security strategy, as it is expected to increase agricultural productivity, lower operational cost, higher incomes and improve livelihoods.
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 Atiku Bagudu, to work out modalities of funding to enable NASENI to mass produce the solar irrigation pumps and distribute in time for the 2025 dry season.
Chairman of the Council, Vice President Kashim Shettima, who presided over the meeting, said the scaled-up solar irrigation pump was 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.
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 percent Value Addition Bill is advancing, and the N250 billion Bank of Agriculture facility is being activated to reach smallholders.”
Briefing State House correspondents, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, gave update on account balance as at September 17, 2025
According to him, the Excess Crude Account was $ 535,823.39, the Stabilization Account was N83,495,784,133.24 , while the Natural Resources Account stood at N125,818,396,257.41
The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Bagudu, said the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, NESG, briefed NEC on the forthcoming 31st Nigerian Economic Summit.
Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State said the National Security Adviser, NSA, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, briefed on the Anticipatory Action Framework for Reverine Flooding in Nigeria.
The governor said the framework outlined a proactive strategy to reduce the humanitarian and economic impacts of riverine flooding through early warning, targeted preparedness, and coordinated response.
NEC recommended that state governors should step down risk communication to vulnerable communities via state channels such as state broadcast, radio, town halls and strengthen SEMAs with funding, equipment, and training to lead effective responses.

1SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER NOW
Support MATAZ ARISING’ journalism of integrity and credibility.
Good journalism ensure the possibility of a good society, an accountable democracy, and a transparent government.
We ask you to consider making a modest support to this noble endeavour.
TEXT AD: To advertise here – Email ad@matazarising.com
LATEST POSTS
-
Nigeria rejects links to failed Niger coup

MaTaZ ArIsInGDallas, Texas The Federal Government has denied endorsement of the failed coup attempt in the Niger Republic. Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Amb Sola Enikanolaye, in a statement issued on Thursday and made available to newsmen, rejected the claim and described it as an attempt to misinform the public. “The attention of the…
-
Tinubu a lifelong democrat, says Sanwo-Olu

MaTaZ ArIsInGDallas, Texas Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has described President Bola Tinubu as a lifelong democrat committed to strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions. Speaking on Thursday at the seventh annual lecture of Freedom Online in Ikeja, Lagos, the governor said Tinubu was determined to leave behind a stronger democracy than he inherited, both for Nigerians…
-
Defence minister Musa accuses El-Rufai of planning killings in Southern Kaduna

MaTaZ ArIsInGDallas, Texas Mr Musa’s allegations come as Mr El-Rufai continues to languish in detention. Minister of Defence Christopher Musa on Thursday accused former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai of planning the mass killing of people in Southern Kaduna. Mr Musa made the allegations against Mr El-Rufai during an interview with Channels Television on Thursday.…







