NEC SideSteps State Police Debate again, focusing on food safety, solar water pump

At the 152nd meeting, the National Economic Council (NEC) once again avoided negotiating about the old issues of state police, despite increasing unsafe throughout the country and public and political support that expanded for its implementation.

Although the support of the Tinubu Bola President for State Police has been praised widely, and at least 34 governors have voiced their support, this problem feels absent from the Thursday agenda. A source at the meeting confirmed, “That is not even on the agenda,” although there is hope that it will be the main topic for discussion.

While the state police proposal is expected to be the center of attention because of its national interests, NEC instead diverts its focus on agriculture and food security, supporting the national launch of solar pumps developed by the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (Naseni). This pump is regulated to be mobilized ahead of the 2025 dry season to support farmers and reduce dependence on expensive gasoline -powered alternatives.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, who knocked out the meeting, stressed the importance of this innovation, stated: “We also have to face the challenges of innovation in agriculture. Solar irrigation pumps are reduced in naseni and pumps provided to redeem more expensive cleaning systems, lower launch.

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“Their advanced features, including GPS tracking, mobile application dashboard, monitoring of use, and paid-like integration, prove that Nigeria’s ingenuity can compete with the world.”

To facilitate the production and distribution of solar pumps in time for the dry season next year, the council mandates the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, to develop a funding strategy for naseni.

Vice President Shettima also described a broader effort by the Tinubu administration to secure the supply of state food, revealed that: “250,000 farmers have been insured in eight states, the design of the 30 percent additional value is advanced, and the N250 billion agricultural bank facilities are being activated to achieve small farmers.”

In addition to food safety, the meeting discussed renewal of national finances and preparation for seasonal disasters. Governor Sheriff Oborevwori from Delta State reported NEC’s financial position on September 17, 2025. The excess crude oil account was stored $ 535,823.39; stabilization account, ₦ 83.49 billion; and natural resource accounts, ₦ 125.82 billion.

Senator Bagudu also noted that the executive head of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) gave direction to the upcoming Nigerian Economics Summit.

In the disaster preparedness, the Governor of Babagana Zulum from Borno State delivered a briefing from the National Security Advisor of the Nuhu thousand Mallam regarding the Framework of Anticipatory Action for River Floods. This strategy emphasizes early warnings, targeted preparedness, and coordinated responses to reduce the impact of humanity and economy from flooding.

NEC then advised the state governor to intensify public awareness efforts in vulnerable communities through radio, city halls, and other local platforms. It also urges them to complete and fund their country’s emergency management institutions (SEMAS) to lead an effective response.

Although there was an appeal for urgent security reforms, a continuous NEC delay in handling state police proposals left a critical gap in national conversations about security.