(Special for CAFS) Nigeria targets increased investments in renewable energy

ABUJA, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) -- The Nigerian government on Wednesday said it was targeting increased investments in the renewable energy sector to promote industrialization of the most populous country in Africa.

In a statement, minister of science and technology Ogbonnaya Onu described the sector as a gold mine, saying the government is committed to removing all obstacles that hinder the utilization of renewable energy in Nigeria.

"The federal government will initiate legislative and judicial framework that will enhance utilization of the sector," Onu said.

According to him, the renewable energy could be used in the energy mix to create jobs and reduce poverty and help raise the standard of living of rural residents in the country.

The official noted the level of exploitation of the renewable energy for generation of electricity in the nation was low. Enditem