Business
Commission Sensitises Stakeholders On Alternative Energy
The Director-General, Energy Commission of Nigeria, Prof.
Abubakar Sambo says the commission has initiated programme on the use of
alternative energy sources in the country.
Sambo said in Abuja at the opening of a two-day workshop on
bio-diesel, that the commission was collaborating with relevant stakeholders to
exploit renewable and other alternative energy sources.
The workshop with the theme “the role of bio-fuel policy on
sustainable energy development in Nigeria’’, brought together various
stakeholders to evaluate the market potentials of bio-diesel extracted from
Jatropha.
“The ECN had long identified the importance and necessity of
collaborative efforts in the achievements of its set goals.’’
He said that in an attempt to promote jatropha for fuel
production, the ECN had organised series of workshops in Kano, Zaria, and
Abuja.
According to him, the workshops had generated interest from
farmers, scientists, entrepreneurs, policy makers and non governmental
organisations.
“ Some of the output of the workshops included greater
awareness on economic potentials of the Curcas, and greater participation of
individuals and groups in the production and processing of the seeds
nationwide.’’
The director general said that bio-fuel generated from
bio-mass resources needed to be promoted in the nation’s energy supply mix for
the purpose of enhancing energy security.
“It will also enhance global warming mitigation and job
creation for the country.’’
He said that the jatropha curcas plant produces seeds, which
are found to have 30-40 per cent oil from which bio diesel can be produced in
addition to other economic uses.
Mr Jimoh Omosebi, the National President, Jatropha Growers,
Processor, and Exporters Association of Nigeria, said that the association had
commenced its capacity building programme to train and equip farmers on how to
manage their farms.
Omosebi said that the association has also liaised with
local fabricators such as the National Research Institute for Chemical
Technology and the National Centre for Agricultural Mechanisation on the
production of jatropha processing machines.