JUMADA-AWWAL 3, 1429 A.H.
FRIDAY, MAY 9 2008
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ECN, KNSG conclude workshop on bio-fuel policy
By MAJE T. SANUSI, Political Editor
THE Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) and Kano state Government Committee on Energy have concluded their two-day workshop in Kano with a reservation on the current bio-fuel policy presented by NNPC, describing it as inadequate.
The workshop which was geared towards enhancing energy security and establishing a sustainable energy supply system for the country, resolved that the bio-fuel policy does not accommodate views and opinions of the nation’s stakeholders.
A communiqué issued to journalists, signed by both the chairman, National Organising and the Local Organising Committees, Prof. A.S. Sambo, Director ECN and Prof. Abdu Salihi, passionately urged the federal government to formulate appropriate bio-fuel policies in line with the existing national energy policy on bio-mass that links the agricultural sector to that of the energy.
The communiqué believes that, doing so will not only re-invigorate the energy sector, but it will equally diversify the energy supply mix of the country, soliciting for the establishment of committees at all levels of government, in order to promote production of Jatropha and bio-diesel across the country.
According to them, zonal Jatropha research and development network should be enhanced in the country to promote use of quality species and adapt best cultivation practices for improved seed yields, oil content and standard.
While provision of appropriate fiscal and economic incentives to local farmers will help greatly in all aspects of Jatropha production, the workshop similarly believes that private sector should liaise with research institutes, colleges of technology and universities to design and fabricate appropriate small-scale Jatropha technologies for use by local people.
It also emphasised the encouragement of an established Jatropha processing units for community cooperatives, with special focus on women groups, while local networks should similarly be established to link Self-Help Groups (SHGs), that will engage in seed collection with operating processing plants and dealers.
“States and local governments should support the establishment of private sector based seed procurement and storage centres and oil expellers in rural areas, while, at the same time, training programmes should be organised to educate farmers about appropriate guidelines for Jatropha cultivation,” the communiqué explained.
The communiqué further stipulated that efforts should be intensified to develop and diversify Jatropha based secondary business like soap industry, organic manure centres, Jatropha oil cake and medicine industry.
“Jatropha development should focus on development of rural economy and agriculture based livelihood in a manner that will significantly benefit the poor in the society;’’ the communiqué advised, adding that ‘’waste land should again be made available directly to the rural farmers’ Self-Help Groups (SHGs), to raise Jatropha plantations.”
Finally, the communiqué called on all ministries relating with rural development to act as nodal ministry to implement the recommendations of the workshop.
