Nigeria Advances Cassava Bioethanol Initiative for Growth

The Federal Government of Nigeria is promoting a cassava bioethanol initiative to stimulate industrial growth and economic stability. Atiku Bagudu, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, announced this initiative on Wednesday in Abeokuta during a workshop aimed at developing the cassava bioethanol value chain in the South West Zone.

This project aligns with President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to transform Nigeria's agriculture into a robust industrial sector. Despite being the world's largest cassava producer, Nigeria has not fully harnessed its economic potential.

The initiative aims to blend bioethanol with premium motor spirit to reduce fuel imports and save billions in foreign exchange. The project is part of Nigeria's national bio-economy policy, promoting a circular economy approach to maximize the cassava value chain.

The government began sensitizing stakeholders in the North West in 2023, with plans to foster sustainable growth, job creation, and improved access to food and energy.