The Energy Commission of Nigeria(ECN), Kano State government committee on energy and other stakeholders have made a case for the establishment of national, state and local government committee to promote the production of jatropha and bio-diesel from japtropha. Jatropha curcas is a "hardy and perennial plant that grows in diverse climatic conditions and different soil-types" which recently discovered could be used for the production of bio-diesel for electricity generation and other uses.

In a communiqué signed by the director general of ECN, Professor A. S. Sambo and the chairman, Kano State government committee on energy, Professor Abdul Salihi, at the end of a three-day workshop, in Kano, the stakeholders said, "medically", jatropha could be used for treatment of diseases like cancer, piles, snake bite, paralysis, dropsy and others. It requested for the establishment of zonal jatropha research and development committee to promote the use of quality species and adaptation of best cultivation practices for improved seeds yields, oil-content and standard. Also, the provision of appropriate fiscal and economic incentives to local farmers in all aspects of jatropha production, while calling on review of the existing biotech policies, in line with the existing national energy policy on biomass that link the agricultural sector to the energy sector of the economy. The stakeholders said jatropha development should focus in 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 centres and oil expellers in rural areas", the communiqué stated.

"Governments at all levels and the organised private sector should support research, development, demonstration and deployment on jatropha cultivation and its processing into bio-fuel and other uses".

The stakeholders had organised a workshop in Kano to create awareness on the use of jatropha plant to produce bio-diesel and other economic products for economic empowerment. It provided a forum where parties involved in bio-fuel development interact and share experience.