By Igwebuike Temidayo and Olufadi Halima
The Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), hosted a pivotal forum titled “Stakeholders’ Industrial Linkage on Ethanol Development and Utilization.” Held on the 26th November, 2025 at the Council’s boardroom in Abuja, the event brought together stakeholders to explore “Harnessing Nigeria’s Raw Materials for Sustainable Ethanol Production and Industrial Growth.”
The gathering attracted high-level representation from diverse sectors, including the European Union, Dafott Agroethanol Nigeria Ltd, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), Nigeria Cassava Growers Association, National Credit Guarantee Company (NCGC), and Nigeria Commodity Exchange (NCX), among other critical stakeholders.
Delivering the welcome address on behalf of the Director General of RMRDC, Prof. Nnanyelugo Ike-Muonso, the Director, Investment Promotion and Consultancy Services Department (IPCSD), Mr. Adamu Yaro, emphasized that transitioning from depleting fossil-based fuels requires a balanced and long-term renewable energy policy. He highlighted ethanol as a key renewable energy source capable of contributing to a cleaner environment and bolstering Nigeria’s energy independence. He added that Biofuel remains the sustainable and promising option for Nigeria due to a large biomass reserve of 144 million tons per year, and based on the biomass energy production, the country could become one of the world largest biofuel adoptions in the nearest decade.
The first paper, “Barriers to Ethanol Production in Nigeria,” was presented by Lead Consultant of the workshop from Dafott Agroethanol Nigeria Ltd. Mr. Olaoluwa Toyin Bamikole who identified critical challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, feedstock limitations, security concerns, absence of local technology, technical and skilled manpower gaps, and limited access to finance. Despite these hurdles, he passionately articulated the significant benefits of local ethanol production, including its role as an alternative and renewable energy source that can replace unclean fuels like firewood, kerosene, and coal. Furthermore, he noted that ethanol plants foster women empowerment, youth employment, and generate non-oil tax revenue for the government.
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Building on the theme of sustainable raw material utilization, Director of Research and Development at Bigs Institute of Innovation and Development, Prof. Mathew Ameke presented the second paper on “The Production of Cassava Peels Bio Ethanol.” Prof. Ameke described cassava peels, often discarded as waste, as a “hidden treasure.” He elaborated that transforming these residues into bioethanol not only tackles waste management issues but also unlocks a sustainable pathway for energy diversification, industrial growth, and rural empowerment.
Prof. Ameke further highlighted the economic importance of this process, noting that microalgae, in particular, can produce more biomass per hectare than traditional crops, offering superior ethanol yields. Beyond fuel, these processes yield valuable co-products such as pigments, proteins, and lipids for pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and bioplastics. He concluded that investing in microalgae bioethanol offers Nigeria a strategic route to energy independence, industrial diversification, and leadership in the global bioeconomy.
The engagement fostered an interactive environment, with stakeholders actively sharing ideas and contributing to discussions on challenges and the way forward for ethanol production. Director of the Chemical and Pharmaceuticals Department, Mr. Abubakar Kollere, charged all participants to collaborate on an advisory document outlining actionable ideas stemming from the discussions. He reiterated that RMRDC organized this workshop specifically to identify solutions and forge a progressive path for the sector.
In her vote of thanks, the Assistant Director, Consultancy Services Division (CSD), Hajiya Aisha Muhammed, expressed gratitude to the facilitators for their invaluable contributions. She also acknowledged the presence and engagement of industry partners, researchers, investors, policymakers, and other participants. “We hope that the connections made here today will grow strong collaborations that will advance the ethanol sector and unlock new opportunities for the nation,” she remarked, encapsulating the optimistic outlook for Nigeria’s ethanol future.
The forum concluded with the issuance of a comprehensive communique that outlined key observations and strategic recommendations aimed at accelerating the development of Nigeria’s ethanol sector. The document called for each state government to develop targeted proposals in collaboration with private sector initiatives, leveraging the specific advantaged feedstocks available within their respective localities. The communique urged the federal government to strengthen the NCGC to enhance development of the agro-processing sub-sector, recognizing its critical role in facilitating investment and growth.
The recommendations further emphasized that the RMRDC should conduct thorough exploration and evaluation of existing ethanol production companies across the country and prepare detailed feasibility reports to guide potential investors. Critically, the communique stressed the need for government to provide adequate funding to relevant agencies, including the RMRDC and other research institutions, to support research and development activities as well as processing operations.
Additionally, it was also recommended that stakeholders should chart a clear pathway toward promoting increased ethanol production and utilization, positioning Nigeria as a competitive player in the renewable energy landscape.
