FG Introduces Solar Lamps, Next Year

The Federal
Government has announced plans to introduce solar energy lamps for domestic use across the country.
The Minister of Environment, Mrs Laurentia Mallam, who disclosed this in Abuja when officials of Total Group paid her a courtesy visit, said the initiative would begin next year.
According to her, solar energy lamps would replace the use of candles and kerosene lanterns.
The minister explained that the solar lamps offer a credible solution to clean and renewable energy that would be favourable and in adherence to global requirements for positive actions against climate change.
Mallam noted that phasing out of kerosene lamps and candles would not come by way of legislation but rather through introduction of a superior product that would be acceptable to the people and friendly to the environment.
She assured that the new solar energy lamp technology would be distributed by the Total Group at prices that would be affordable to the people, especially the rural poor.
The minister regretted that environmental hazards and avoidable deaths occasioned by outbreaks of fire by the use of candles and kerosene lanterns had caused Nigerians untold hardship and expressed hope that the new initiative would provide an enduring solution to the problem.
She stated that the switch would slash the price of kerosene and possibly eliminate the use of candles, making Nigeria more ozone-friendly.
She noted that collaboration with other ministries including Trade and Investment, Finance Health and Education would ensure success of the solar initiative.