Minister: cassava-based ethanol plant will catalyse growth
Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, announced a cassava-based ethanol plant in Ekiti State, projected to catalyze economic growth. The initiative, in collaboration with FIIRO and Montserrado Investments, aims to support local farmers, reduce fossil fuel reliance, and promote clean cooking. The project will enhance cassava value chains, create jobs, and improve Nigeria’s carbon footprint. Ekiti State Governor highlighted the project’s significant impact.
Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, has said a proposed cassava-based ethanol plant will be a game changer that will catalyse growth in many sectors of the economy.
He spoke at the signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) between the Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi (FIIRO), an agency of the ministry, and Montserrado Investments Ltd.
It was ahead of the establishment of a cassava-based ethanol plant in Ekiti State.
Nnaji said the initiative underscores the ministry’s commitment to advancing Nigeria’s bio-energy value chain and promoting sustainable development.
“This 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 toward reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and embracing renewable energy sources,” the minister said.
According to him, the project aims to harness the economic potential of the cassava-to-ethanol industry, providing significant benefits.
These, the minister said, include support to local farmers through enhancement of the profitability of the cassava value chain, thereby stimulating employment across the sector.
Another benefit is the reduction of the use of kerosene and wood as cooking fuels.
This, he noted, will protect citizens from carbon dioxide emissions, thereby preserving forests and improving the country’s carbon footprint.
Nnaji said: “The collaborative effort between the Ministry, Montserrado Investments, and FIIRO will include designing, building, and operating the ethanol processing plant in line with international best practices for environmental sustainability and efficiency.
“The project will also focus on establishing a reliable supply chain for cassava, ensuring fair trade practices and economic benefits to local communities.
“In addition to economic and environmental benefits, the initiative aims to promote public awareness about the advantages of using ethanol as a clean cook fuel, supporting its adoption among Nigerian households.
“Though the pilot project will be located in Ekiti State, the project will be replicated across the six geo-political zones. “
Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, represented by the Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Digital Economy, Seun Fakuade, highlighted the project’s potential impact on Ekiti State and beyond.
Director General of FIIRO, Dr. Jummai Adamu Tutuwa, said the organisation is versed in bioethanol production from cassava.
“FIIRO’s work in this 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.
“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 the production of other items from cassava including bread, fufu, cassava flour, cassava chips, etc,” he said.
A representative of Montserrado Investments said the company focuses on energy infrastructure in emerging markets and is currently developing a 50,000-litre-per-day ethanol distillery in Ekiti.
Source Link : https://thenationonlineng.net/minister-cassava-based-ethanol-plant-will-catalyse-growth/
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