ABUJA – The Minister of Environment, Mrs Laurentia Mallam, on Friday said she would make clean solar energy lamps available to replace candles and kerosene lamps.
This is contained a statement issued by Mr Ben Goong, Deputy Director Press, and made available to newsmen in Abuja.
Mallam made the pledge when she received a senior delegation of the Total Group led by its Vice President, Mr Allen Schapeaux.
She said that the ministry had planned to sensitise Nigerians to embrace solar lamps that were environmentally friendly to replace the use of candles and kerosene lamps.
The minister expressed concern on the environmental hazards usually caused by the use of candles and kerosene, which sometimes lead to deaths that could be avoided.
“The change from the use of candles and kerosene lanterns to solar lamps will crash the price of kerosene and possibly eliminate the use of candles in Nigeria.
“It will improve the position of the country on the list of ozone-friendly nations in line with the Transformation Agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan,’’ Mallam said.
It further quoted the minister as promising to collaborate with the group on new Solar Energy Lamp technology.
“The environmental benefits of the product will go a long way in solving some social, financial and economic challenges associated with the use of kerosene and candles.
“I am determined to leave for Nigerians the legacy of a candle-free Nation,’’ she said.
The minister thanked the group for its efforts at manufacturing a durable, cost-friendly, smoke-free, clean and renewable energy lamp.
This, the statement said, would replace the candle and significantly reduce the use of kerosene in the country.
Earlier, the statement said that Schapeaux told the minister that the group intends to start the sale of the clean energy solar lamps in Nigeria for 12 months.
It said the company would, therefore, establish a plant for its production in the country for the entire West African market.
“Schapeaux expressed optimism that the minister was in the best position to promote the campaign for clean energy.
“The solar lamps offer a credible solution to clean and renewable energy that is favourable to global requirements for positive actions against climate change,’’ the statement said.
The Solar Energy Lamp, according to Schapeaux, has successfully been introduced in Kenya, Indonesia and Pakistan. (NAN)
