FG Puts Nigeria's Coal Deposit at 2.8 Billion Metric Tonnes

Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo

Chineme Okafor in Abuja

The federal government on Monday said Nigeria had about 2.8 billion metric tonnes of coal deposits left untapped for years now.

The government also stated that the use of these coal deposits, amongst other renewable energy sources to generate electricity for Nigeria could alleviate instances of vandalism of petroleum pipelines.

The Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, said in a statement from the ministry in Abuja that the country's abundant coal, biomass, solar, wind and small hydro could provide possible insurance to deal with vandalism of pipelines.

Nebo said while signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Atlas Petroleum Corporation for a coal-to-power plant that Nigeria needs to harness all its potentials in developing her power sector.

He lauded Atlas' interest in coal-to-power as a welcome development.
"While others are doing the talking, Atlas will do the action," Nebo said, insisting that the promoter of Atlas Petroleum as a patriotic Nigerian, is determined to put all the required fund to the development of the project.

He promised to help fast track other licences with various agencies of government beginning with the Ministry of Mines.

“We will also assist with the design of appropriate mining, as we must ensure everything works.  The coal fired plant should start next year," he noted.

Similarly, the Minister of State for Power, Mohammad Wakil, said the 2.8 billion metric tonnes of coal deposits has for years remained untapped.

He thus called on other genuine would-be investors to cash into the new focus of coal to complement government's efforts in improving power production.

The promoter of the project, and Chairman of Atlas Petroleum, Chief Arthur Eze, said the company has the competence to deliver on the project

He said: “We have the ability and wherewithal to deliver, we will move fast to invest in coal to power.”

Source: ThisDay