Hon. Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji (right), exchanging pleasantry with Brazilian Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency, Mr. Carlos Garcete (left) during a Courtesy visit in Abuja

The Federal Government has commenced the development of a robust Green Methanol Industrial Complex said to be the highest in Africa.

Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Geoffrey Nnaji who disclosed this in Abuja also said the government is seeking Brazilian partnership in design, certification and feedstock optimization for socio-economic development of the country.

Chief Nnaji made this statement when the Ambassador of Brazil to Nigeria His Excellency Mr. Carlos Gracete paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja.

According to Zto the Minister “methanol has chemical and physical fuel properties similar to ethanol, adding that current research now focuses on the use as a sustainable marine fuel that will contribute to economic diversification of the country.’’

The Minister pointed out that under President Bola Ahmed Tunibu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the Ministry is driving reforms that will place innovation at the center of job creation, industrial growth and national competitiveness for economic development.

He emphasized, that the Ministry is working assiduously to mechanize agro-processing and unlock the full potential of cassava, sugarcane and soybean value chain for the betterment of the citizenry

Nnaji reaffirm that the country is ready to work closely with Brazil to co-create inclusive sustainable and high impact of innovation projects.

In his remarks, the Director-General of National Space Development Agency (NASRDA) Dr. Matthew Adepoju said that the Agency is expanding Nigeria satellites capabilities and therefore seek collaboration with Brazil’s national Institutes for Space Agencies on areas of Remote sensing, Climate Monitoring, Land use analytics, Border security and disaster response.

Earlier, the Ambassador of Brazil to Nigeria His, Excellency Mr. Carol Garcete acknowledged that the purpose of their visit was to deepen bilateral cooperation between Nigeria and Brazil in key area with technology, innovation driven development and trade relationship.