The Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, on Tuesday said increase access to electricity was crucial and fundamental to economic and social development of Nigeria.
Nebo made this known at the “1st African International Conference/Workshop on Application of Nanotechnology to Energy, Health and Environment’’, at the University of Nigeria (UNN), Nsukka.
Represented by Mr Albert Okorogu, his Senior Special Assistant to Access to Power and Renewable Energy, Nebo said about 30 million households in Nigeria had no access to electricity.
Nebo quoting the United Nations said about 600 million people of Sub-Sahara Africa lacked access to electricity.
“In Nigeria, 30 million households have no access to electricity. This is the reason why the Federal Ministry of Power is rolling out comprehensive roadmap on access to power.
“This roadmap will systematically connect households through grid and off-grid solutions,’’ he said.
Nebo said that President Goodluck Jonathan had in January inaugurated “Operation Light Up Rural Nigeria Initiatives’’, as part of efforts to ensure that all households had access to electricity.
“The pilot programme will provide energy-efficient lighting to homes, streets and community centres and villages with up-to-dates solar technologies.
“There is plan to replicate this pilot project across the 36 states of the federation,’’ he said.
He said that solar system made from nanoparticles had been used to produce steam, purify water and disinfected dental device.
According to him, the exploitation of nanotechnology in Nigeria will provide sustainable solutions to our environment, social responsibility,overall wellbeing as well as increase access to electricity.
The minister commended the organisers of the conference, noting that nontechnology had helped in nanofabrication of energy storage devices to energy generation technologies which had resulted in energy efficiency.
In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor of UNN, Prof. Bartho Okolo, expressed optimism that the conference would proffer solutions to some of the challenges facing the sector.
“I am optimistic that the conference will come out with solutions to fast tracking technological development in the country,’’ Okolo said.
Earlier, the Head of Department of Physics and Astronomy in the University, Prof. Rose Osuji, expressed appreciation to local and international partners for their efforts to ensure that the conference was a success.
Osuji said that economies of developed countries had strong base in nanotechnologies, and stressed the need for Nigeria to embrace the technology.
“There is need to put in place strong political will, relevant national policies and sustained funding for research and development in this country.
“I commend our local and international partners, who in their various contributions, made this conference to be a reality and success,’’ Osuji said. (0)
Increase access to electricity crucial to Nigeria devt – Nebo
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