Hon. Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji (middle), Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Esuabana Nko Asanye, represented by Mr. Tanko Ashang SAN, (left) and Director-General, Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi (FIIRO) Dr. Jummai Adamu Tutuwa (right) after the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Between the Ministry and Montserrado Investments Limited in Abuja.

To boost the use of renewable energy and foster self-reliance, the Federal Government has taken steps to transform cassava-to-ethanol and promotes it’s domestic use as clean cooking fuel

Minster of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, who revealed this in Abuja said converting cassava to ethanol will be great road map to economic diversification of the nation’s economy.

The Minister said the renewed drive will reduce reliance on imported cooking fuel, safeguard the economy against global market fluctuations and fosters self-reliance.

The Minister stated this during the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Montserrado Investment Limited and Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi (FIIRO)  in Abuja.
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Nnaji said that the project is aimed at harnessing the economic potentials of the cassava- to- ethanol industry, providing significant benefits which include, economic growth, import substitution and regional development. .

He explained that signing the MOU was a testament to Government’s commitment to transitioning to clean cooking fuel by facilitating the production of ethanol derived from cassava which is a vital step towards reducing the reliance on fossil fuels and embracing renewable energy sources.

The Minister said that, the collaboration between Montserrado Investment Limited and Federal Industrial Institute of Research Oshodi will enhance designing, building and operating the ethanol processing plant in line with international best practices for environmental sustainability and efficiency.

The Minister also commended the Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Biodun Oyebanji, for piloting the transformative project in his state, adding that, the programme will facilitate the Bio-Energy value initiative across the six geo-political zones of the country.

‘According to Nnaji “together, we are paving the way for a brighter, more sustainable future for Nigeria. Let us continue to work hand in hand to achieve our shared goals of economic prosperity, environmental sustainability and social well-being’’

The Ekiti State Governor Dr. Biodun Oyebanji, who was represented by the Ekiti State Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Digital Economy, Seun Fakuade said that the people of Ekiti State are mostly agrarian communities who have contributed immensely to food sustainability in the country.

He stated that the collaboration will create wealth and generate employment opportunities to the youths, adding that it will also improve the profile of Ekiti State as a topnotch destination for investment in Nigeria.

In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of Innovation, Science and Technology Mrs. Esuabana Nko Asanye who was represented by the Director, Legal Services, Tanko Ashang (SAN) said that the Ministry is ready to support FIIRO in sustaining the development and progress of the industry.

Earlier, the Director General of Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi, Dr. Jummai Adamu Tutuwa said that the collaboration marks a significant milestone to foster sustainable development and industrial growth of the nation.

She added that FIIRO has been at the forefront of ground breaking projects aimed at harnessing the vast agricultural and mineral resources for the socio- economic development of the country.