The Governor of Cross River State, Senator (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu, says his administration was determined to work for the state to become a key player in the drive for the deployment and development of renewable energy.
Otu stated this while giving his opening remarks at the just concluded three-day Cross River State Energy Conference and Exhibition 2024 themed “Redefining the Energy Architecture of Cross River State, using Sustainable Fuels” and held at the Calabar International Convention Centre (CICC).
Noting that the theme of the Cross River Energy Conference and Exhibition was premised on the “Renewed Hope Agenda” of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (PBAT), Governor Otu, said: “Energy is among the first line enablers of industrialization; hence a catalyst for national economic growth and development. Nigeria is undoubtedly blessed with both fossil and renewable energy resources with the potentials of providing sufficient and efficient energy needs of the country if properly harnessed. Cross River State as a sub-national is also greatly endowed with these natural deposits for energy production. For renewable, the abundant sunshine could be tapped to provide solar energy, the stretching coastline of the State has the potentials of producing wind energy by installing wind turbines; while the abundant food and cash crop by-products could be harnessed to produce bio-fuel. Apart from our enormous gas reserve deposit for fossil energy, the State is also endowed with titanium, feldspar, tourmaline, manganese, lithium etc. for clean energy transition. Since the world is gradually transiting from the fossil to sustainable energy sources for reasons of environmental friendliness and sustainability, Cross River State is poised to be a major player in the renewable energy drive. However while we are pursuing the fossil-renewable switch as a gradual transition, we also need to expand the fossil-based energy resources to ensure availability and affordability; especially in our rural areas.
“With these energy potentials at our disposal, when I assumed office as the Governor of the State, I made far-reaching decisions and took concrete steps at harnessing these resources. Coupled with the National Assembly’s amendment to the energy law; removing it from Exclusive to the Concurrent List, the State is open to potential investors for possible partnership in the provision of clean and affordable energy for the citizenry. As a State, we are poised to de-risk to the barest minimum, whatever challenges investors may counter. Among these are legal issues and repatriation of profits.”
The governor added that “To achieve the foregoing, this conference is therefore a veritable platform for us to reiterate our commitment towards the positioning of the State as an energy hub; with envisaged centres for Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Processing Plant, Electric Vehicle (EV) parts manufacturing plants etc. A berth of investment in any of these energy sources in the State, is therefore a guaranteed economically-viable venture with huge growth potentials. Besides, for being among the pioneer investors in these areas, there are other investment-friendly packages that are yet to be unveiled by the Government of Cross River State. I welcome all of you on board the energy revolution of the State; for you will not regret taking the bold initiative.”
At the energy conference, Nigeria’s Vice President (VP), Senator Kashim Shettima, ably represented by his Special Adviser on economic affairs, Mr. Tope Fasua, said the Federal Government was impressed with the Cross River State government.
The VP gave assurance of the Federal Government’s support towards actualizing the establishment of Cross River State Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Processing plant at Odukpani Local Government Area of the state.
