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The House of Representatives Committee on Science and Technology has urged the Energy Commission of Nigeria to focus more on rural areas.

The Chairman of the Committee, Beni Lar made the call during the 2022 budget performance and 2023 budget Defense in Abuja.

Lar said that “the solar system lighting of the agency would be more beneficial to the rural dwellers.”

According to her, providing solar-powered lights in rural areas will further convince the people that the Nigerian government is performing excellently.

Lar also urged the ECN to use its 2023 budget to empower more youths across Nigeria.

“There is a need for the commission to use the budget in unlocking the investment potentials of renewable energy sources and transfer of profitable renewable skills set to willing Nigerian youths,” the Lawmaker explained.

The Chairman also said that the Committee would strategically and consistently engage the agency to birth a new and reliable source of foreign exchange earners for Nigeria in the Renewable Energy Sector.

The Director-General of ECN, Professor Jidare Bala told the committee that a total of N15.21 billion was allocated to the commission for personnel, capital and overhead.

According to him, “N963.7 million has been earmarked for capital expenditures while N362.18 million for overhead and N256.14 million is for personnel cost.”

Similarly, the Director General of Sheda Science and Technology Complex SHESTCO, Professor Paul Onyenukwe while presenting the budget performance for 2022 and proposal for 2023, said the agency was faced with the challenge in staff strength and power supply which was affecting the operations of the complex.

He added that the agency would capitalise on the lift of bank on employment to employ staff for the agency as it was understaffed.