The National Conference has recommended that President Goodluck Jonathan declares a state of emergency in the power sector, insisting the energy must not be left in the hand of the private sector alone.

The recommendation came as delegates adopted the report of the conference committee on Energy.

The report suggested that a top-down approach through the amendment of existing framework will allow government at all levels and the private sector to be involved in power generation, distribution and marketing locally.

The conference also adopted the banning of flaring of associated gas, while communities that are prone to gas flaring should be compensated and that the Petroleum Act of 1969 be reviewed in the interest of justice and equity.

It equally recommended that laws should be enacted and those available should be enforced at the state and local government levels to control indiscriminate cutting of trees for household energy, charcoal making and export.

The conference also believes that the country should explore the nuclear option in view of the possibility of nuclear energy development and that better security measures be put in place to prevent vandalism, while Nigerian engineers should be adequately represented in the planning and implementation of all aspects of power reform programmes.

Also, the delegates recommended that the federal government should consider the construction of mini refineries in each state as was done in Malaysia and Indonesia and that industries that make use of raw materials should be established close to the source of such resources for rapid industrialisation and diversification.

The conference, however, rejected the recommendation that the federal government should face-out the use of generators in all markets and subsidise the importation of panels until they can be locally manufactured.