The Kano State government committee on energy and the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) have established a committee to promote jatropha crops for use in the production of biodiesel. The committee contains members on the national, state, and local government levels.
According to a statement by the Director General of the ECN, Professor A.S. Sambo, the committee is calling for the establishment of a zonal jatropha research and development committee to promote the use of quality species and adaptation of best cultivation practices for improved seed yields and oil-content.
A call for the provision of appropriate fiscal and economic incentives to local farmers in all aspects of jatropha production has been issued and a review of the existing biotech policies be undertaken to link the agricultural sector to the energy sector of the economy.
In an article in Nigeria’s Leadership, stakeholders said jatropha development should focus on the development of rural economy and agricultural based livelihood in a manner that would significantly benefit the poor in the society. "State and local governments should support the establishment of private sector based seed procurement and storage centers and oil expellers in rural areas," Leadership reported. "Governments at all levels and the organized private sector should support research, development, demonstration and deployment on jatropha cultivation and its processing into bio-fuel and other uses."