FG urges states to support national policy on methanol

The Federal Government has urged the states to support the implementation of National Policy on Methanol Fuel Production Technology, aimed at providing an alternative source of fuel.

The Minister of State, Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Uchechukwu Ogah, made the call yesterday, at a South-East Stakeholders’ Sensitisation Forum, held in Umuahia, Abia State.

He explained that the initiative would develop local capacity, generate employment, and conserve foreign exchange, as well as help in achieving Nigeria’s commitment to reducing global warming.

According to him, it would also reduce incidences of gas flaring, especially in the Niger Delta region, and enhance activities in the transportation, agriculture, energy, and solid minerals.

Describing the policy as the future technological development for Nigeria, he noted that the programme would boost the country’s chemical industry through gas, coal, and biomass to create alternative sources of fuel for Nigerians.

Ogah added that the Ministry has concluded plans to coordinate the integration and domestication of methanol fuel infrastructure facilities as enshrined in the Methanol Policy Document. 

He therefore applauded President Muhammadu Buhari’s commitment to overseeing the project, saying that its successful implementation would reduce importation of fuel.

On his part, the Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, said the Methanol Project would improve the standard of living by creating jobs for Nigerians.

He revealed that Nigeria has the 9th largest natural gas reserve in the world, adding, “it is time to add value to natural resources by utilising science and technology and innovation.
 
“To move the country gradually from over reliance on crude oil to cleaner and renewable source of energy, the project will offer better opportunity as the product is cheaper than Premium Motor Spirit.”
 
Contributing, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, who was represented by his Deputy, Ude Oko Chukwu, pledged the State’s commitment to implementing the policy in Abia and other South eastern states.

He therefore charged stakeholders to brace up to the new economic diversification, and assured of the Federal Government’s readiness to continue to partner with it for the good of the people of Abia.