FG urged to ban generator purchase in MDAs

A civil society group, Environmental Rights Action (ERA), has urged the Federal Government to ban the purchase of generators in Ministries, Departments and Agencies and commit the fund to renewable energy development.

The government has earmarked N17 billion in the 2017 budget proposals for electricity supply to MDAs mainly through burning of fossil fuels and purchase of generators, according to the budget office.

The executive director of the group, Dr Godwin Uyi Ojo, at a media parley yesterday in Abuja, said such whopping sum would generate 46 megawatts of solar power and create 650 new jobs.

“Funds committed to purchasing generators should be redirected for the purchase and installation of solar energies including funding the research and development component for renewable energy,” he said.

He noted that the Nigerian government lacks holistic approach to addressing the energy shortfall through alternatives in solar powered lighting systems.

The shortfall compelled 70% of Nigeria’s population to depend on fuel wood for energy, he also said.

He said the country’s continuous dependence on fossil fuels and plants and generators largely contradicts its 45% conditional reduction based on Green Climate funds and other international fiscal instruments.

Dr Ahmed Yahaya of Development Association for Renewable Energies (DARE) said the global trend towards renewable energy is a warning signal that Nigeria must look beyond oil revenue.

Sustainable energy remains the only solution to the country’s power problem, he said.