FG urged to use coal as energy source

The Committee on Energy yesterday urged the federal government to urgently include coal in the energy mix of the country in order to halt the intractable power crisis bedeviling the nation.

Chairman of the committee Rasheed Ladoja made the call yesterday when the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Musa Mohammed Sada made a presentation before the committee.

Sada, who made a power point presentation, disclosed that most developed countries, including China and South Africa substantially depend on coal to fire their power stations.

He noted that two coal mines, Okobo in Kogi State and Maiganga in Gombe State are functional and producing, stressing that government was making the necessary effort to also increase domestic usage of coal as alternative to firewood, thereby reducing deforestation. Members of the committee all agreed on the need to resuscitate the near comatose coal industry in the country so as to kick start development that will address unemployment in the country.