FG seeks private sector support to tackle unemployment

Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, has called on the private sector to collaborate with the Federal Government in the production of methanol in Nigeria so as to create more jobs for the teeming youths who are roaming the streets.

He made this call at the weekend during the SouthEast sensitisation on the implementation of the national policy on Methanol fuel production technology held at the International Conference Centre (ICC), Umuahia, Abia State.

According to a statement by Head, Press and Public Relations of the ministry, Mr Abdul-Ganiyu Aminu, and made available to Tribune Online in Abuja, the minister said the production would help create new jobs for the young and old, as well as creating wealth for individual and the nation.

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“The essence of the sensitisation is to make Nigeria understand and appreciate the enormous benefits of introducing methanol in the country,” he added.

Dr Onu further said that the world is gradually reducing its reliance on crude oil, adding that emphasis was being laid on cleaner and renewable source of energy.

‘’The Methanol policy, which we are presenting today offers an opportunity to better unitise our enormous natural gas resource,” he stated.

The minister added that producing methanol from natural gas would significantly increase gas utilisation and consequently reduce gas flaring in the country.

‘’Methanol production would help to grow the chemical industry and provide clean energy for cooking and also serve as a replacement for diesel,” he said.

Dr Onu, therefore, urged stakeholders in the SouthEast to embrace the innovation and collaborate with the Federal Government to ensure the full implementation of the policy.