By Hillary Asemota
The Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu has pledged federal government’s support to the Transnational Corporation of Nigeria (TRANSCORP) on their determined drive of becoming a major player in Nigeria’s electricity dynamics.
While underscoring the reputation of the company and the imperative of power supply in Nigeria’s industrialization plan and efforts, he urged the Organised Private Sector (OPS) to domesticate critical technology used in the country, in order to achieve rapid industrialisation, adding: We are eager that Nigeria becomes exporter of power in the nearest future.
The Minister made this known when he received the delegation of the TRANSCORP), team lead by its Managing Director, Mr. Peter Ikenga, in his office on Tuesday in Abuja.
Even though he expressed support for nuclear energy as the most stable form of electricity generation and supply, he expressed concern on the management of the waste as according to him, the waste from nuclear power plant can be reactive.
He acknowledged that the deployment and peaceful use of nuclear power technology will improve the production of electricity and provide sustainable and reliable electricity that will not be affected by environmental conditions.
In his words, “The administration of President Muhammadu Buhari is determined to achieve rapid industrialisation for the country inustainable and irreversible manner”.
The Minister highlighted the role of Executive Order 5, which promotes Nigerian professionals and emphasises the role of STI and promote the development of indigenous technology.
He said; “Executive Order 5 is critical to Nigeria’s development, as the Federal Government wants to domesticate all foreign technologies used in Nigeria”.
Onu expressed optimism that Nigerian firms and experts will fully grasp these technologies, such as nuclear power and other alternative sources of renewable energy and be able to export these expertise abroad, thereby earning additional foreign exchange for the country.
He further stated that the Organised Private Sector (OPS) are vital in the development of Nigeria, adding that TRANSCORP will be a reliable partner in maintaining and developing alternative power plants and sources in the country.
Earlier, the Managing Director of Transnational Corporation of Nigeria (TRANSCORP) Mr. Peter Ikenga said his company wants to leapfrog the transmission of sustainable and alternative sources of electricity around the country.
He also said that over 40% of the country lacks energy penetration and his company wants to achieve energy penetration to all parts of the country.