By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Minister of Environment, Mrs Amina Mohammed has disclosed that the federal government was developing a Jatropha value chain for renewable energy as part of plans to diversify the country’s economy.
According to her, the Jatropha, as a renewable energy resource, would reduce desertification, alleviate poverty and fast-track sustainable development.
She expressed believe that the Jatropha plant would serve as a viable green alternative to fossil fuels and provide an additional means of livelihood for local communities.
However, she urged the private sector to get involved in government’s effort to diversify the nation’s economy.
The Nigerian bio-fuel policy and incentives identified Jatropha in 2007 as the most preferred non-food plant for bio-fuel in the country.