Diversification: ‘Govt must demonstrate political will to implement bio fuel policy’

By Mumini AbdulKareem with Agency Report

The Federal Government has been urged to demonstrate the political
will and provide necessary funding for the implementation of the bio
fuel policy in the country to successfully diversify the economy.
An expert in Jatropha cultivation, Mallam Attahiru Garuba Madami who
is the Chairman/CEO Jarfathad Farms Company Limited and Managing
Director of Martaba Farms Nigeria Limited made the observation last
Wednesday while delivery a key note address at the Jatropha
International Conference and Exhibition held in Minna, Niger State.
Madami who is also the Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Kwara
State Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) further urged the
government to provide the required funding and enabling environment
for the industry of bio fuel to thrive through the Jatropha plant.
Speaking on the topic Jatropha: Cultivation, Prospect, Challenges and
the way forward for Nigerian Farmers/Investors, Madami said Bio fuel
has the potential to reduce poverty, provide healthy environment and
youth employment as well as transform the economy.
He therefore challenged the Northern Governors Forum to establish a
Biodiesel Refinery to provide revenue and foreign exchange through
exportation of Bio fuel from Jatropha rather than going cap in had for
monthly allocation in Abuja.
According to him, Agricultural Research Organisation and Universities
of Technologies among others should be well funded while the Federal
Government should direct the Central Bank of Nigeria to ensure that
funds are provided for research in the field of Bio fuel industry.
“FG should establish mini-refinery for Bio fuel in the six
geo-political zones of the country to provide market for the sales of
Jatropha seeds and oil and also provide enabling environment such as
tax holidays and provision of loan facilities.
“Biodiesel industry is a money making industry that needs to be tapped
by farmers and investors in Nigeria. Jatropha Growers and Exporters
Association of Nigeria (JAGPEAN) should move from being a political
organisation to being a pressure group. They need to lobby our
lawmakers for the establishment of mini-refineries in the
six-geographical zones in the country”, he added.