Shelves Immediately The Increase in Patrol Pump Prize, Electricity Tariff - ERA/FoEN Advises Fed. Govt.

By Simeon OSAJIE

Dr. Godwin Uyi Ojo, Executive Director, Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the East Nigeria (ERA/FoEN) has called on the Federal Government of Nigeria to shelve immediately the increase in patrol pump prize and electricity tariff also revisit the imposed value added tax (VAT) and immediately reduce to 2 per cent. "Government should continue to take the interests of the youths into consideration in the formation and implementation of its polities and programmes and to provide start up grants for youths and local renewal energy SMEs and business showcasing innovative clean technologies and the generation of free jobs".

This ERA/FoEN said during the "Youth Talent Hunt and Empowerment as catalyst to drive renewable energy sector development in Nigeria."

Dr. Uyi Ojo, on behalf of ERA/FoEN emphasises that "tax burdens impose severe obstacles to the promotion of renewable energy for all, addressing clean energy access for all in order to reduce the nation's carbon footprints in line with the Paris Agreement in 2015.

"It also helps to provide opportunities and logistics support for our youths to lead in the production of innovative cleaner technologies to drive the renewable energy sector."

Stressing forward, ERA/FoEN condemned in strong terms the unnecessary tax burdens that have characterised Nigeria's economic development thrust in recent times by the federal government of Nigeria.

"The sudden increase in the Value Added Tax from 5 percent to 7.5 percent, the increase in the pump price of petrol to N162.00 per litre and electricity tariff of over 100 percent hike by the federal government can be counterproductive on the productive sector of the economy especially in the development of the nascent renewable energy sector."

ERA/FoEN stated that the "tax burden are ill-timed as the federal government has carried on without due consultation with the civil society groups, labour unions and other stakeholders to gauge the mood of the people."

Describing the youths as catalyst of change, ERA/FoEN asserted that "they understand the need for clean energy transition to reduce the burden of oil dependency and unbearable tax regimes from the oil sector which is leading to harsh economic realities in Nigeria."

Earlier in his remark, Engr. Abdullahi Aliyu, the Assistant Director (Training) of the National Power Training Institute of Nigeria (NAPTIP), promised that his agency would always be available to offer the needed help to any youth who has an innovation to showcase.

Damilola Asaleye, the Co-founder/Chief Operating Officer of Ashdam Solar Company Ltd, gave reasons why Nigerians have to embrace renewable energy which includes to provide reliable power supply; to allow fuel diversification; to enhance energy security; to lower risk of fuel spills; to help conserve the nation's natural resources and to mitigate climate change.

Over twenty youths from across the country participated in the one day programme held at the Precious Palm Royal Hotel, Benin.

The youths later displayed their innovative creativities of to the delight of all present.