Posted by Engr. Tunji Light Ariyomo, an energy specialist and former Special Adviser on Energy to the Ondo State Government, has emphasized the essential necessity for Nigeria to acquire control of and manufacture the majority of the inputs required in its energy industry.
He emphasized the significance of developing necessary technologies in the country and diversifying the country’s energy mix through investments in renewable energy sources.
The energy expert, who spoke at the Nigerian Society of Engineers, NSE, Ondo State Chapter’s 2023 public lecture themed “Energy Self-sufficiency as an Important Key to Nigeria’s Economic Development and Sustainability,” called for a systematic approach to energy independence.
He believes that Nigeria should prioritize indigenous production of critical components connected with solar, wind, and hydroelectric power.
He emphasized that such a step would allow the country to minimize its dependency on imported goods while also establishing a self-sustaining energy sector.
The creation of locally built crude oil refineries was one of the important issues underlined by the energy expert, who emphasized the importance of using technology components indigenous to Nigeria in the refineries.
“We should be able to dominate the regional market.” Nigeria should generate the majority of what is consumed in West Africa.
“Because financial resources are limited, this situation necessitates creative thinking.” Nonetheless, we must find a means to raise the required cash while guaranteeing that they are used for useful purposes.
“For example, the 4 million businesses I mentioned will generate 24 million new jobs if each of those businesses can employ at least 5 people,” he remarked.
Engr. Stephen Bolawole, Chairman of the NSE’s Akure branch, charged engineers to position themselves to be able to implement the guest speaker’s proposals.
Engr. Tasiu Sa’ad Gidari-Wudil, FNSE, the NSE’s National President; Engr. Ali Rabiu, the Society’s immediate past President; the former Registrar of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN); Engr. Kamila Walik, a member of the NSE’s national executive council; and Engr. Okudugha Dauda Aluya, FNSE were among those present.