Inclusive energy transmission, boost to African economies – Onu

Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, says inclusive energy transmission in Africa will support social and economic prosperity of African nations.

The Minister said this at a virtual meeting, organised by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), on Friday in Abuja.

He said Africa accounts for 2 to 3 per cent of the world’s carbon dioxide emission that has varied enormous and energy resources.

According to him, these include natural gas, hydro power, biomass, nuclear and coal.

Onu noted that the energy system could be processed into final energies in the areas of abundance and transported through inter-regional electric-grid connections, pipelines, roads/infrastructure to regions that do not have enough resources.

He maintained that the global warming was real in the country as shown by the drying up of Lake Chad, desertification and coastal flooding affecting many parts of the nation.

The minister stressed that the Federal Government is committed to providing the enabling environment for private sector participation in the energy sector.

He added that the Petroleum Industry Act of 2021, signed by President Muhammadu Buhari, seeks to promote investment in natural gas, Nigeria’s transition fuel for electricity, fuel and non-energy usage.