The federal government has disclosed plans to phase out the use of candles and kerosene lamps within the next 12 months, to encourage the adoption of the Clean Solar Energy Lamps (CSEL) in efforts aimed at addressing the threats therein to the existence of a co-habitable ecosystem across the country.
Minister of Environment, Mrs. Laurentia Mallam who hinted on the plan in her remarks while receiving a senior delegation of the Total Group led by its Vice President, Allen Schapeaux in Abuja, explained that the phase out will not come by way of legislation but through the introduction of a superior product.
The minister said, she is deeply concerned about the environmental hazards caused by the use of candles and kerosene lanterns, which sometimes lead to preventable deaths.
According to her, the switch from the use of candles and kerosene lanterns will crash the price of kerosene and possibly eliminate the use of candles in Nigeria, thereby improving the position of the country on the list of ozone friendly nations in line with the transformation agenda of Mr. President.
She promised a strong collaboration between the Ministry of Environment and Total Group to ensure that the new solar energy lamp technology which Total is introducing into Nigeria is rapidly distributed at affordable price to the rural poor.
Earlier at the occasion, vice president of Total Group, Allen Schapeaux told the minister that Total intends to start the sale of the CESLs in Nigeria for 12 months and thereafter, establish a plant for its production in the country for the entire West African region.
Mr. Schapeaux expressed optimism that the ministry of Environment is in the best position to promote the campaign for clean energy, adding that the solar lamps offer a credible solution to clean and renewable energy that is favourable to global requirements for positive actions against climate change.
