Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — A member of the House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government and the private sector to invest in renewable energy, in order to solve unemployment and the epileptic power situation in the country.
Musa Mohammed Pali, who made the call while speaking exclusively to our correspondent in Port Harcourt, regretted that since 1999 till now, billions have been spent in the power sector without appreciable result.
Pali, who is a member of the House Committee on Climate Change and Ecology, said the bill for establishment of Renewable Energy Council, which is before the National Assembly, seeks to harmonise the government and private sector into renewable energy development.
“In the rural areas, there is no power supply but renewable energy can help the people to progress because once there is steady power supply, even our businesses and industries will progress.
“Because of lack of power, industries are not thriving in Nigeria and on a yearly basis, we are churning out graduates; where will they work when there are no industries?
“Renewable energy will solve unemployment issue and also solve power situation in the country.
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“Go to the budget and see how many billions have been spent on power since 1999 and up till now no result. So we must think.”
Pali, who is also the Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Aviation, said crude oil was almost becoming obsolete, hence the country must focus on renewable energy development so as not to be left behind.
“Developed countries are no longer using oil. Oil is almost becoming useless in years to come and that is why we in Nigeria must think forward.
“For instance, during the peak of COVID-19 lockdown around the world, you’re aware how prices of oil crashed, which affected our budget badly. Some countries were even trading their oil for free due to lack of storage
“So renewable energy is a way of thinking forward, so that we can have something to fall back on,” he said.