By Etuka Sunday
The Minister of State for Power, Mohammed Wakil yesterday solicited the support of the European Union (EU) on the need to use renewable energy sources in the country, in order to improve its rural economy.
Wakil, who received in audience, the EU delegation said there is a linkage between high application of renewable energy and poverty alleviation, stressing that access to power by the rural population, who are the main beneficiary of renewable, will improve the rural economy.
According to a statement by the Deputy Director, Press, Timothy Oyedeji, the Minister said that the renewable matrix is designed to serve people who are far-flung from the national grid, hence they will have access to electricity via off-line and small grid system, which is compatible with this strategy.
On the proposed National Policy on Renewable Energy, Wakil said that the policy has reached advanced stage as, according to him, it would soon undergo review by stakeholders before the Federal Executive Council’s ratification.
