Abuja — Nigerians could in future generate their own power using solar energy if the cost of solar cells can be brought down, the Minister of Science and Technology said yesterday.

Mrs. Grace Ekpiwher said a consulting firm is currently working on a project to create cheaper solar panels.

She said: "energy is the bane of Nigeria's development."

Managing consultant of African-Asian Investors Management Limited, Nwadiora Nwosu, appealed to the minister to assist his agency in plan, execute and fund its solar energy initiative.

Mr Nwosu said: "The agencies of the ministry, like the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) and Sheda Science and Technology Complex (SHETSCO) would be very critical to the success of this solar energy proposal. While NASENI could be helpful in the area of local content development, SHETSCO would need it's solar energy to power its gamma irradiation facility"