Nigeria Boosts Bio-Energy Sector with New Cassava Ethanol Plant

by Hadiza Ndadama (Voice of Nigeria) In a significant move to bolster Nigeria’s bio-energy sector, the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology, in partnership with Montserrado Investments Limited and the Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi (FIIRO), has signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) to establish a cassava-based ethanol plant in Ekiti State.

The Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, while signing the MoC, said that the initiative underscores the Ministry’s commitment to advancing Nigeria’s bio-energy value chain and promoting sustainable development.

He noted that fostering the industry also supports local farmers, creates a sustainable supply chain, and stimulates employment across the agricultural sector.

“Today’s agreement is a testament to our collective efforts to support the Nigerian government’s commitment to transitioning to clean cooking fuel. By facilitating the production and use of ethanol derived from cassava, we are taking a vital step towards reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and embracing renewable energy sources,” he said.

The Minister added that through the development of a domestic ethanol production industry, Nigeria will reduce its reliance on imported cooking fuels and, in turn, safeguard its economy against global market fluctuations.

Nnaji stated that piloting the transformative project in Ekiti State will serve to jumpstart the Bio-Energy Value Chain initiative, representing the Southwest region and setting a precedent for similar projects across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

The Special Adviser to the President on Industry, Trade, and Investment, John Uwajumogu, said that President Bola Tinubu has introduced incentives in the gas sector to increase gas production, which will fit into industries and power generators to help address energy access.

“In terms of addressing the energy security situation of the country, this is where we are addressing that beyond the increased production of gas, converting our cassava resources to energy, and converting other agricultural commodities that have energy potentials will be addressed by this program. That is why we call it the Bio-energy program,” he said.

The CEO of Montserrado Investment Limited, Ifeanyi Ajuluchukwu, said that they will be building a 500-ton cassava metric plant that will convert cassava to ethanol.

“We are going to create value for existing farmers so that they can increase capacity. The Ekiti State government has already laid the foundation by encouraging and supporting their farmers to produce excess cassava. Our job is now to help them convert these cassavas into economic value,” he said.

The Director General of FIIRO, Dr. Jummai Adamu Tutuwa, said the bioethanol production from cassava is one notable area where FIIRO has concentrated its expertise, which its work in the domain exemplifies the institute’s capability to align traditional agricultural practices with modern industrial applications.

“Bioethanol production from cassava serves as a quintessential example of how science can contribute to sustainable development. Cassava, a tuberous crop that is abundant in Nigeria, presents a unique opportunity to produce bioethanol, a renewable energy source that can mitigate our reliance on fossil fuels. FIIRO’s innovative processes have demonstrated how cassava can be efficiently converted into bioethanol, unveiling a new horizon for the energy and agricultural sectors and also production of some products from cassava, eg cassava bread, fufu, cassava flour, cassava chips etc.” she said.

The Governor of Ekiti state Biodun Oyebanji who was represented by the Commissioner for Innovation, Science & Digital Economy, of the state, Seun Fakuade said that there are more than 30,000 hectres of farms that are already into cassava farming in Ekiti state. READ MORE