ERA urge halt tax burdens on Renewable Energy
By Victor Ofure Osehobo, Benin City
Nigerian Government have been advised to halt tax burdens and eliminate multiple taxes on renewable energy to address climate change and energy access challenges facing the country.
Executive Director, Environment Rights Action/Friends of the Earth, Dr. Godwin Uyi Ojo gave the advice at a Youth Talent Hunt and Empowerment programme in Benin City on Tuesday.
He said, “The sudden increase in the Value Added Tax from 5 percent to 7.5 percent, the increase in the pump price of petrol to N162.00 per litre and electricity tariff of over 100 percent hike by the federal government can be counterproductive on the productive sector of the economy especially in the development of the nascent renewable energy sector.”
“Tax burden are ill-timed as the federal government has carried on without due consultation with the civil society groups, labour unions and other stakeholders to gauge the mood of the people.”
Describing youths as catalyst of change, Ojo asserted that “they understand the need for clean energy transition to reduce the burden of oil dependency and unbearable tax regimes from the oil sector which is leading to harsh economic realities in Nigeria.”
The Youth Talent Hunt and Empowerment programme he said is, “addressing clean energy access for all in order to reduce the nation’s carbon footprints in line with the Paris Agreement in 2015”.
“It also helps to provide opportunities and logistics support for our youths to lead in the production of innovative cleaner technologies to drive the renewable energy sector.”
Engr. Abdullahi Aliyu, the assistant Director (Training) of the National Power Training Institute of Nigeria (NAPTIN), speaking at the one day event with 20 youths promised his agency’s offer of needed help to any who can showcase an innovation.
An entrepreneur, Damilola Asaleye, the Chief Operating Officer of Ashdam Solar Company Ltd, gave reasons why Nigerians should embrace renewable energy which includes provision of reliable power supply; allow fuel diversification; enhance energy security; lower risk of fuel spills and help conserve the nation’s natural resources and to mitigate climate change.
