Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Adeleke Olorunnimbe Mamora (middle) Minister of State Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Amb. Maryam Katagum (2nd left) and others at a Workshop in Abuja. Photo: Ministry of Science
Nigeria through the National Energy Policy and Climate Protocols has joined the rest of world to recognize renewable energy as one of the most cost –effective means of ensuring energy security.
The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Olorunnimbe Adeleke Mamora made this known while declaring open the workshop on capacity building in Abuja entitled: ‘’Accelerating Small Hydropower Investment’’ in Nigeria”.
Dr. Mamora said Nigeria is blessed with a vast amount of renewable energy sources including Hydropower, wind, solar and biomass, noting that small hydropower and biomass hold greater potentials towards providing access to firm electricity as well as addressing climate change.
He emphasized that proper investment in renewable energy was key for Energy Security and industrialization in Nigeria and commended United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) for facilitating the dialogue that would enhance prosperity in the country through the transformation of Energy sector.
The Director-General of Energy Commission of Nigeria, Prof. Eli Jidere Bala, said that the overall objective of the training was to take Nigeria from middle income to high-income Country by 2050.
Earlier, UNIDO representative to ECOWAS and Regional Director, Nigeria Regional Office Hub, Mr. Jean Bakola who was represented by Dr. Otu Osuji, said that energy was a critical input for sustainable economic growth that was why in 2015 the Organization with the support of Federal Government launched the Scaling of Small Hydropower project in Nigerian, to promote investment in hydropower Technology and strengthen local manufacturing of goods.
Reporting by Rabi Momoh; Editing by Annabel Nwachukwu