FG assures on adequate promotion of low sulphur, CNG
The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, has assured Nigerians and all key relevant stakeholders of adequate promotion of the potential of Low Sulphur Fuels and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) in the country. Balarabe stated this while inaugurating the Inter-Agency Committee on Fuels to promote the use of Low Sulphur Fuels and CNG in the […]
balarabe abbas lawal 1
The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, has assured Nigerians and all key relevant stakeholders of adequate promotion of the potential of Low Sulphur Fuels and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) in the country.
Balarabe stated this while inaugurating the Inter-Agency Committee on Fuels to promote the use of Low Sulphur Fuels and CNG in the country recently in Abuja.
The minister noted that the use of cleaner fuels will significantly reduce air pollution and human health challenges caused by high sulphur in petroleum products.
He lamented that high sulphur fuels have been linked to rising cases of asthma attacks, acute/chronic bronchitis, chronic obstructive lung diseases and many other ailments.
He further stated that the reviewed Nigeria Industrial Standards for Sulphur Concentration in Petrol, Diesel and Kerosene was made possible by the mandate of the ministry and support from critical stakeholders.
The minister disclosed that the standards are as follows: Diesel, from 300ppm to 500ppm; Petrol – 1, 500ppm to 150ppm and Kerosene -1, 500ppm to 150ppm in 2016 and transition was proposed in 2017-2019.
He further emphasised the high sulphur concentrations in fuels, which resulted in an associated rise in extreme weather, dirty air and “other effects of climate change leading to our collaborative action towards ensuring a cleaner fuel, environment and improved public health for our generation.
According to the minister, the term of reference of the committee includes the creation of a pollution monitoring team, quality reporting on findings, an annual report with recommendations to the Federal Executive Council (FEC),among others.
The Director of Environmental Assessment (EAD), Mrs Bolorunduro B., who is also the acting Permanent Secretary, urged the committee members to put their wealth of experience together to attain the national assignment.