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

Christian Genocide: Regha Reveals Why Trump Called Nigeria ‘Disgraced Country’

Published

16 hours ago

November 2, 2025

Editor

Popular social media commentator, Daniel Regha has suggested why the US President Donald Trump called Nigeria a “disgraceful country”.

Recalls that Trump had, in a statement on Saturday, warned that if the Nigerian government failed to tackle the alleged genocide against Christians, the US would “immediately stop all aid and assistance to the West African country.

The US leader also warned that his nation may very well go into Nigeria, which he labelled “that now disgraced country”, to wipe out the terrorists allegedly perpetrating the religious persecution.

Reacting, Regha, in a post on his official X account on Sunday, claimed that Nigeria is a “disgraced country” today as a result of bad leadership from all regions.

According to him, corruption is found in every state, and all ethnicities are involved.

“Nigeria is a “Disgraced country” today as a result of bad leadership from all regions. Corruption is found in every state and local govt; And all ethnicities are involved,” Regha wrote.

“From Hausa to Igbo to Yoruba to Urhobo, and others. Past administrations failed, and Tinubu’s administration is failing cos the leaders who are representing different tribes and constituencies aren’t speaking up.

“State govts are equally acting nonchalantly by not solving regional problems, but instead playing politics. Before u shift the blame, remember that the State House of Assembly has your people in there, and State governance is by indigene.”

News

Kwankwaso Sends Message To Trump After US Invasion Threat

Published

17 hours ago

November 2, 2025

Editor

The leader of Kwankwasiyya and former Presidential candidate, Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso has expressed concern over recent comments by US President, Donald Trump about Nigeria.
President Donald Trump had described the country as a country of particular concern.

Kwankwaso who took to his Facebook page on Sunday wrote: “I have noted with increasing concern the heightened pronouncements on Nigeria by President Donald Trump. This follows his designation of Nigeria as a ‘country of particular concern.’”

He stressed that Nigeria remains a sovereign nation facing security challenges caused by outlaws, not by religion or ethnicity.

“The insecurity we face does not distinguish based on religious, ethnic, or political beliefs,” he said.

Kwankwaso urged the United States to support Nigeria with modern technology to fight insecurity instead of issuing threats.

“The United States should assist the Nigerian authorities with better cutting-edge technology to tackle these problems, rather than posing a threat that could further polarise our country,” he added.

He also called on the Nigerian government to engage with the US diplomatically.

“The Nigerian government should also consider appointing special envoys from its distinguished diplomats to engage the American government. Additionally, it is necessary to appoint permanent ambassadors to represent Nigeria’s interests on the international stage,” he said.

Senator Kwankwaso appealed to Nigerians to remain united, saying, “To my fellow countrymen, this is an important moment where we should emphasise unity of belonging over division. God bless Nigeria.”

News

5 Pro Tips On How To Become A Good Writer

Published

22 hours ago

November 2, 2025

Editor

Writing is one skill that cuts across every profession. Whether you are in civil service, journalism, business, or even tech, you can’t escape the need to write.

Contents
1. Write, Write, Write!
2. Embrace Writing Tools
3. Learn from Experts
4. Read voraciously
5. Get Feedback, Don’t Fear Criticism

From emails to reports, social media posts to full-length books, your ability to communicate clearly can set you apart.

Writing is not a talent reserved for a few gifted people; it’s a skill like any other that can be learnt, practiced, and mastered over time.

In this article, Tribune Online takes a look at five ways to become a better writer :

1. Write, Write, Write!

The best way to become a better writer is simply to write more. It sounds obvious, but many people spend more time worrying about writing than actually doing it.

Don’t just wait for the right moment, create it. Set aside time daily or weekly to write, even if it’s just a page.

Keep a journal, write short stories, or start a blog. Even a few paragraphs a day make a huge difference. Consistent writing helps you find your voice and refine it with time.

2. Embrace Writing Tools

Technology has made it easier to polish your writing. From grammar checkers to distraction-free apps, these tools reduce errors and improve flow.

Tools like Grammarly, ProWritingAid, or Quillbot can help tidy up your sentences. Apps like Scrivener or Ulysses can keep longer projects organised.

3. Learn from Experts

No one becomes a master alone. Signing up for writing courses, webinars, or workshops connects you to experts who can sharpen your craft.

Online platforms now offer lessons in copywriting, creative writing, grammar, storytelling, and editing.

4. Read voraciously

Great writers are voracious readers. Reading fuels your creativity, sharpens your vocabulary, and exposes you to different writing styles.

If there’s a specific area of writing you want to specialise in, study the works of experienced writers in that field. Read their books, articles, and resources, and learn from their style and approach. When you engage with the works of others, you tend to easily gain insight into effective techniques and common pitfalls to avoid. And don’t restrict yourself to a particular niche; expand your reading to different authors, cultures, and genres.

5. Get Feedback, Don’t Fear Criticism

One of the fastest ways to grow as a writer is to regularly seek feedback. No matter the kind of writing you do, having others review your work helps you see how your words are received beyond your own perspective.

Share your drafts with trusted friends, colleagues, mentors, or even family members. Their proofreading, corrections, and honest criticism can point out blind spots and give you fresh ideas for improvement.
(TRIBUNE)