Federal Government sees Coal as a veritable source of Energy, says Minister

www.odogwublog.com the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dr Kayode Fayemi disclosed that the Federal government is working on the strategy of developing coal as a veritable source of energy in the new road map to improve on the power sector.

Dr Fayemi dropped this hints while speaking during a town hall meeting with South East stakeholders in the Mining and Steel industry, held at Universal hotel, Enugu.

He stressed that the Federal Government is working out a strategy whereby over eighty percent  of the country's energy requirement can be sourced from Coal, based on the fact that the nation is blessed with large sources of coal deposits, most of whom are yet to be utilized.

Towards this direction, He said the Federal government is willing to negotiate with investors who are interested in Coal Power generation.

He revealed that the Dangote group is already working on Obajana and Benue Coal plants, stating that more of such investors are needed in the country.

His words,'We are encouraging investors who wish to set up power plants that will use Coal to come to Nigeria\. He assured the Federal government will provide the necessary enabling environments for such investments and the investors to thrive.  

The Mining and Steel Development Minister said his visit availed him the opportunity to access the 'Onyeama and Okpara mines' both in Enugu, to see how they can be revitalized.

He recalled that Coal from the Onyeama and Okpara mines were used to service the Oji thermal power station, Ijora power station and some others, many years ago.