Nigeria to Save ₦3 Trillion Annually via Cassava-Fuel Project

By 𝔸bdulrazak Tomiwa

The Federal Government has launched an initiative to reduce fuel imports by utilizing Nigeria’s status as the world’s leading cassava producer.

The plan involves producing fuel-grade ethanol to blend with petrol, aiming to decrease the nation’s heavy reliance on foreign energy products.

Minister Abubakar Atiku Bagudu revealed that this bio-ethanol project could save Nigeria over ₦3 trillion annually in foreign exchange.

By domesticating production, the government seeks to stabilize the naira and promote a sustainable circular economy under the National Bio-Economy Policy.

The project aims to integrate 14 million smallholder farmers into a high-value industrial chain, moving them past subsistence agriculture. This shift is expected to create millions of jobs and transform cassava into a strategic “white gold” crop for the energy sector.

A “Triple-Helix” partnership between government, academia, and the private sector will drive the project through research and infrastructure development. The initiative also focuses on secondary products, such as captured CO2 and animal feeds, to maximize industrial efficiency and value.

The government aims to drastically reduce the 40% post-harvest loss currently seen in the cassava sector. By building efficient processing plants and improving market links, the project ensures a steady supply of feedstock for consistent ethanol production and long-term sustainability.

Ultimately, this project serves as a catalyst for Nigeria’s energy transition and economic diversification. By linking agriculture to energy needs, the government hopes to enhance national security and transform the country into a global hub for bio-resource innovation.