Energy crisis: Support for local production from experts

Engr. Tunji Light Ariyomo, an energy specialist and former special adviser on energy to the Ondo State government, has emphasized the urgent need for Nigeria to own and manufacture the majority of the inputs needed in its energy business.

In addition to investing in renewable energy sources, he emphasized the significance of developing the appropriate home technology.

The energy expert, who served as the guest speaker at the 2023 public lecture of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, NSE, Ondo State Chapter, entitled "Energy Self-sufficiency as an Important Key to Nigeria's Economic Development and Sustainability," promoted a calculated approach to achieving energy independence.

He contends that Nigeria must give top priority to domestic production of crucial parts for the generation of solar, wind, and hydroelectric energy.

He emphasized that the country might lessen its dependency on imports and create a self-sustaining energy sector with such a move.

The creation of locally built crude oil refineries was one of the important points made by the energy expert, who also emphasised the importance of using technical components unique to Nigeria in the refineries.

"We ought to control the local market. The majority of what is needed for consumption in West Africa should be produced in Nigeria.

Since there aren't many resources available financially, this circumstance demands creative thinking. However, we must find a means to get the required cash while making sure they are used for worthwhile projects.

For instance, "the 4 million businesses I mentioned, will yield 24 million new jobs if each of those businesses can employ a minimum of just 5 people," he stated.

Engineer Stephen Bolawole, Chairman of the NSE's Akure branch, urged engineers to position themselves so they could put the speaker's advice into practice.

The former Registrar of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), Engr. Tasiu Sa'ad Gidari-Wudil, FNSE, the National President of the NSE, Engr. Tasiu Sa'ad Gidari-Wudil, a member of the national executive council of the NSE, and Engr. Okudugha Dauda Aluya, FNSE, were among those present.