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 roaming the streets.
The minister made this call at the weekend during the South-East 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 the Head, Press and Public Relations of the ministry, Mr. Abdul-Ganiyu Aminu, which was made available to the Nigerian Tribune in Abuja, the minister said the production would help create new jobs for the young and old, as well as create wealth for individuals and the nation.
“The essence of the sensitisation is to make Nigerians 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, and that emphasis is being laid on cleaner and renewable source of energy.
‘’The methanol policy which we are presenting today offers an opportunity to better utilise our enormous natural gas resource,’’ he stated.
The minister added that producing methanol from natural gas would significantly increase gas utilization and consequently reduce gas flaring in the country.
‘’Methanol production will help to grow the chemical industry and provide clean energy for cooking and also serve as replacement for diesel,” he said.
Dr Onu, therefore, urged stakeholders in the South-East to embrace the innovation and collaborate with the Federal Government to ensure the full implementation of the policy.
Meanwhile, the Minister of State for Science and Technology, Mohammed Abdullahi, has called on the people of Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State to encourage their children to embrace science subjects in schools, especially Engineering and Mathematics.
He made the appeal when members of Mararaba Political Forum from the area paid him a courtesy visit in his office in Abuja.
Abdullahi stated that Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics are important to national development as they could enhance the quality of life and future of their children.
According to him, technology drives every economy, military operations and almost every area of human endeavour, so the future, fate and destiny of the world depend on technology.
The minister appealed to them to live peacefully with their neighbours and consider themselves as one family.
Earlier, the Chairman of the delegation, Mr. Usman Umar Bazza, said members of the forum were in his office to congratulate him on his appointment as minister and as well to commiserate with him on the demise of his step mother.