Senator Yunus Abiodun, wey be the Senator representing Oyo Central, don call for proper policy framework to address the challenges of energy poverty and its impact on drug prices in Nigeria. Abiodun make this call on Friday during the 2nd Prof Nyaudo Ndaeyo’s Public Lecture at the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
According to Abiodun, who be the chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment, if Nigeria no put in place the right policies, the challenges of energy poverty go continue to affect rural communities and their development potential. He warn say people go resort to using biomass fuel, which go lead to deforestation, exposure to unclean indoor air, and other environmental and health hazards.
Abiodun emphasize say the solution no be far-fetched: Nigeria need shift from solid fuels to modern energy sources. He say one major reason for Nigeria’s energy poverty be the reliance on non-renewable energy sources and not using the abundant renewable sources available.
He add say, “The burning of solid fuel dey fill houses and huts in poorer rural communities with smoke that kill people by causing pneumonia, stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer. The solid fuels responsible for this include wood, crop residues, dung, charcoal, and coal.”
Abiodun conclude say adequate steps should be taken to give Nigerians access to modern energy sources, which go help in reducing the reliance on expensive and harmful energy methods.
