By Nafisat Abdulrahman
Efforts to strengthen local value addition and expand access to alternative energy sources received a boost as the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) opened talks with stakeholders from Gombe State on a coal processing initiative targeting the production of coke for industrial and household use.
The visiting team included the chairman of ELB Alternatives and Services, Engineer L. Buba, and a representative of the Gombe State Ministry of Energy, Mr. Abdulkadir Mohammed, who engaged the Council on a proposed project to process coal and biomass into coke and briquettes for industrial and domestic use.
The delegation, which also included the Gombe State Coordinator of RMRDC, Engr. Garba, who facilitated the visit, met with the Director General of RMRDC, Prof. Nnanyelugo M. Ike Muonso, at the Council’s headquarters in Abuja.
During the visit, the delegation highlighted the fact that Gombe State is endowed with significant coal deposits and that the government had allocated land for the proposed processing facility. The state assured the delegation of access to power, water, and other essential infrastructure, as well as support in linking the company with licensed coal miners.
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According to Engr. Buba, the project aims to provide cost effective energy solutions for households and small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs), particularly in the light of rising costs of electricity, kerosene and gas. He also pointed out the fact that export interest for the products has already been received from countries including Saudi Arabia and Burkina Faso.
Responding, the DG/CEO of RMRDC, Prof. Nnanyelugo M. Ike-Muonso commended Gombe State Government for its support. While noting that the Council cannot directly provide financial assistance, he said RMRDC would facilitate access to development finance institutions, including the Bank of Industry (BOI), and assist in approaching government agencies that the delegation might not be able to reach directly.
To support the project’s planning and financing, the Director General delegated the Director, Investment Promotion and Consultancy Services RMRDC, Mr. Mohammed Yaro, to work with ELB. Alternatives and services to produce a feasibility study, business plan, and financial proposals.
In his remarks, the Director, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Development Department RMRDC, Mr. Abubakar Kollere observed that the initiative aligns with RMRDC’s mandate and its ongoing drive for at least 30 percent value addition in Nigeria’s raw materials sector. He emphasized that processing coal into coke and biomass into briquettes represents substantial value addition while providing practical energy solutions for small and medium scale enterprises. “Coal as an industrial raw material has been of immense interest to the industry and to us RMRDC.” He noted.
He added that,” In Nigeria, energy constitutes 40 percent of production, anytime you solve energy problem to any manufacturer in Nigeria, you have completed his problems”.
In his remarks, the Director, Investment Promotion and Consultancy Services, Mr. Mohammed Yaro, said the proposal was in line with discussions at recent G20 engagements, where research and development institutions were encouraged to explore partnerships with state governments around specific raw materials. He noted that the coal cabonization to coke initiative in Gombe State could be an area to begin such collaboration, adding that the Council was willing to work with ELB Alternatives and Services to see how the project could be developed.
Other RMRDC directors present at the meeting highlighted the importance of defining the project’s scope, technology requirements, and commercial operations, noting that a successful model could be replicated in other coal producing states.
Also speaking, the Gombe State Coordinator of RMRDC Engr, Abdullahi Garba said ELB Alternatives and services was first engaged during exhibitions and industrial visits in the state, after which the Council inspected the company’s facilities to assess its operations. He disclosed that the team subsequently facilitated engagements with the Gombe State Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, including meetings with directors and the Commissioner, which helped advance discussions on the project.
