Reps ask FG to focus on exploration of renewable energy

By Christiana Ekpa

The House of Representatives on Wednesday asked executive arm of the Federal Government to focus on exploration of renewable energy such as nuclear, solar, biomass, and wind as nationwide alternative sources of power supply.

The House also on Wednesday, urge the government to establish a clear investor-friendly framework for Private Sector investment in alternative power supply across the country, as it mandated its Committee on Power to liaise with relevant stakeholders in the public and private sectors to develop the best strategies for sustainable alternative and renewable energy distribution in the country.

This was sequel to adoption of a motion on “Need for Alternative and Renewable Power Supply in Nigeria”, sponsored by Hon. Chukwuma Umeoji.

The lawmaker noted that the major driver of sustainable economic development growth is reliable Electricity supply,

and has remained on the front burner of all government initiatives, adding that electricity in Nigeria is generated through thermal and hydropower sources and the main source of electricity generation comes from fossil fuels especially gas, which accounts for 86% of the capacity in Nigeria with the remainder generated from hydropower sources.

According to him, a nation plagued with epileptic power supply must suffer delayed development and the risks associated with the loss of potential investors in the market.

“Nigeria’s inability to achieve stable power supply over decades is a pointer to the fact that its over-reliance on gas and to a lesser extent, hydroelectric power sources alone needs to be reviewed”, he stated.

He said lack of electricity supply in rural areas is a deterrent for businesses to thrive, thus, resulting in rural-urban migration which leaves the rural areas grossly underdeveloped, amongst other attending challenges.