During its 152nd session, the National Economic Council (NEC) once again sidestepped discussions on the persistent and pressing issue of establishing State Police, despite escalating security challenges nationwide and broad-based support from both the public and political leaders.
President Bola Tinubu’s backing of the State Police initiative has garnered significant acclaim, with over 30 governors publicly endorsing the move. Yet, surprisingly, the topic was omitted from the agenda at Thursday’s meeting. An insider confirmed, “It wasn’t even listed for discussion,” contrary to widespread anticipation that it would be a focal point.
Instead of tackling the State Police debate, NEC shifted its attention to agricultural innovation and food security. The Council approved the deployment of pumps/” title=”PICTORIAL: … Champions NASENI's … for a Game…Changing Nationwide Launch!”>solar-powered irrigation pumps, engineered by the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), across the country. These pumps are slated for distribution before the 2025 dry season, aiming to assist farmers and reduce reliance on expensive petrol-driven irrigation systems.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, who presided over the meeting, highlighted the importance of embracing technological advancements in agriculture. He remarked, “Addressing agricultural innovation is crucial. NASENI’s solar irrigation pumps are ready for nationwide implementation ahead of the 2025 dry season. These pumps not only cut costs for farmers by replacing costly petrol alternatives but also enable expanded dry-season farming and can serve as backup power sources for homes.”
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Shettima further praised the pumps’ sophisticated features, including GPS tracking, mobile app interfaces, real-time usage monitoring, and pay-as-you-go payment systems, underscoring Nigeria’s capacity to produce world-class technology.
To ensure timely production and distribution, the Council tasked the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, with formulating a comprehensive funding plan for NASENI’s solar pump initiative.
Additionally, Vice President Shettima outlined broader government measures to bolster food security, revealing that 250,000 farmers across eight states have been insured, the 30 percent Value Addition Bill is progressing, and a ₦250 billion facility from the Bank of Agriculture is being mobilized to support small-scale farmers.
Beyond agriculture, the meeting reviewed the nation’s fiscal status and disaster readiness. Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State provided an update on NEC’s financial reserves as of September 17, 2025: the Excess Crude Account held $535,823.39; the Stabilization Account contained ₦83.49 billion; and the Natural Resources Account stood at ₦125.82 billion.
Senator Bagudu also shared that the CEO of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) briefed the Council on preparations for the upcoming 31st Nigerian Economic Summit.
On the topic of disaster management, Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State conveyed a report from National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu concerning the Anticipatory Action Framework designed to address riverine flooding. This approach focuses on early warnings, targeted readiness, and coordinated interventions to lessen the humanitarian and economic toll of floods.
In response, NEC urged state governors to amplify public education campaigns in flood-prone areas using radio broadcasts, community meetings, and other grassroots communication channels. The Council also called for enhanced funding and capacity building for State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs) to lead effective disaster responses.
Despite growing demands for urgent security reforms, NEC’s persistent postponement of the State Police discussion leaves a significant void in the national security dialogue.
