News

Reps Move To Establish Bio-fuels Energy Industry Framework

Published

2 years ago

October 3, 2023

The House of Representatives has passed for Second reading a Bill for an Act to Provide a Policy Framework for the Development of Bio-Fuels Energy Industry in Nigeria.

The bill which is sponsored by Benjamin Okezie Kalu, along with Khadija Bukar Ibrahim and Babajimi Benson,aims to establish the Bio-Fuels Energy Regulatory Commission and the Bio-Fuels Research Agency, marking a crucial step in Nigeria’s efforts to combat climate change and diversify its domestic economy.

In his Lead debate, Kalu who is the deputy speaker of the house said the bio-fuel policy was initially introduced by Nigeria in 2007 to address climate change concerns, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and promote economic diversification.

He explained that it was designed to incentivize the production of bio-ethanol and bio-diesel for blending with fossil fuels.

The deputy speaker however expressed concern that after 16 years, progress has been limited, with only a few Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) in place.

He noted that according to the International Energy Agency (IEA), global demand for biofuels is projected to increase significantly in the coming years.

Kalu observed that despite Nigeria’s potential in the bio-fuels sector and a target demand of 5.14 billion litres per year, the industry remains nascent.

READ

He identified one of the primary challenges hindering the development of the bio-fuel industry in Nigeria as the absence of a regulatory framework. Despite the existence of a biofuel policy, the lack of a legal and institutional foundation has impeded its effectiveness.

According to him, this bill aims to rectify this gap and provide the necessary framework for growth stressing that to encourage investment in the sector, the policy offers incentives such as exemptions on Withholding Tax, waivers on Value Added Tax (VAT), and waivers on Import and Customs Duties.

Benjamin Okezie Kalu highlighted the numerous advantages of developing the bio-fuels energy sector including to Improved Petroleum Product Quality as Bio-fuels are expected to enhance the quality of petroleum products and equally address the current limitations in fossil-based fuels.

The Deputy Speaker who emphasized that the industry will generate additional tax revenue, create jobs, boost economic development, and empower rural communities said It will also lead to improved farming techniques, increased agricultural research, and higher crop demand.

He further explained that Biofuels can be used for co-generation of electric power as well as reduce tailpipe emissions, ozone pollution, and particulate emissions, and replace toxic octane enhancers in gasoline.

Benjamin Okezie Kalu therefore implored his colleagues to support the bill’s second reading and it was referred to the relevant committee for further legislative action.

The Bill which comprises 56 clauses and one schedule is divided into fourteen parts with the primary objective to provide a policy framework for the bio-fuel industry’s development and establish the Bio-Fuels Energy Regulatory Commission and the Bio-Fuels Research Agency.

VANGUARD

Related Topics:House of Representatives Reps

Up Next

World Habitat Day 2023: Obaseki Charges Edo People On Preservation Of Environment For Sustainable Future

Don't Miss

Tinubu Writes Senate To Confirm Three Additional Ministerial Nominees

Comments

News

DSS Issues Warning, Arrests Man For Circulating Fake Recruitment Materials

Published

4 hours ago

August 24, 2025

Editor

The Department of State Services (DSS) has disclosed the arrest of one Mr. Eze Ezenwa Benard, who was recently apprehended for circulating fake DSS recruitment past questions and answers on Facebook.

The agency, while warning the public in a statement on Saturday, said the suspect operated through a page known as “Jobs and Education”, where he advertised the fraudulent materials and charged unsuspecting members of the public one thousand naira (N1,000) for access.

“The public is hereby cautioned to disregard any materials, as the DSS does not sell or distribute recruitment questions, answers, or examination guides through private individuals or social media pages. Recruitment into the Service, when necessary, follows specialised procedure in accordance with extant laws and due process,” the statement reads.

News

‘Na Only People You Gave Work Love You,’ Singer Speed Darlington Tells Tinubu

Published

4 hours ago

August 24, 2025

Editor

Singer Speed Darlington has told President Bola Tinubu that public admiration cannot be bought, warning that only those who received appointments or jobs from the government truly support him.

In a video posted on Saturday, August 23, the singer said, “Everything isn’t about the economy! There is more to leadership than the economy. See as everybody dey call your name, dey complain. Nobody loves you. Na only the ones you gave work, na them love you. Even your own tribe dey complain about you.”

Darlington, an Igbo man, urged Tinubu to focus on police reform and respect for human rights. “The Nigerian police is an oppressive agency rooted in human rights violation. As a matter of fact, if they do not violate you, it’s as if they are not even doing their job.

“The idea of arrest before investigation is a pure human rights violation. You arrest and hold a person before you dey investigate. Please, before you leave office, please speak to your Yoruba brother IGP man,” he added.

News

Before You Leave Office, Reform The Police — Speed Darlington Urges Tinubu

Published

4 hours ago

August 24, 2025

Editor

Popular controversial singer Speed Darlington has called on President Bola Tinubu to reform the Nigerian Police Force, urging the government to prioritise citizens’ rights alongside economic growth.

In a video posted on Saturday, the entertainer criticised what he described as the police’s systemic human rights violations and oppressive practices.

“Mr President, before you leave office, whether you secure a second term or not, try your best to improve Nigeria. Everything isn’t about the economy!

“There is more to leadership than the economy. See as everybody dey call your name, dey complain. Nobody loves you. Na only the ones you gave work, na them love you. Even your own tribe dey complain about you,” he said.

The singer, who identifies as Igbo, urged Tinubu to engage with the Inspector-General of Police and implement reforms.

“As an Igbo man, the advice I can give you so people will know your name and remember you for something good is to reform the police. Reform the police.

“The Nigerian police is an oppressive agency rooted in human rights violation. As a matter of fact, if they do not violate you, it’s as if they are not even doing their job.

“The idea of arrest before investigation is a pure human rights violation. You arrest and hold a person before you dey investigate,” he added.

Darlington also recounted his personal ordeal with law enforcement, highlighting the system’s abuse of power.

“I was held for two months after the judge had ordered my release. FID held me for two months. According to my lawyer, the Nigerian law gives only 28 days for investigation.

“They held me for two months. What is the extra month for? Because they can. If you give them money, they oppress your enemy. I have experienced it,” he said.