Cassava, the fourth most important food crop globally after maize, wheat, and rice, is a cornerstone of Nigeria’s agricultural sector. With an annual production of 53 million metric tonnes, Nigeria stands as one of the world's largest cassava producers.
However, 90% of the cassava harvested is processed into food for human consumption, such as garri and pounded fufu. But cassava has much more to offer beyond these staples.
Globally, processed cassava is vital in various industries. In food production, it is used in bakery products, confectioneries, canned fruits, jams, monosodium glutamate, and commercial caramel. Non-food industries also heavily rely on cassava for products like corrugated cardboard, wallpaper, moistening gums, foundry, well drilling, paper, textiles, and wood furniture. Furthermore, cassava plays a significant role in the glucose industry for starch hydrolysis and dextrose production, and in livestock farming as a key ingredient in animal feed.
Currently, Nigeria’s domestic consumption of cassava by-products creates a heavy demand on foreign exchange, with imports costing around $600 million annually. This financial burden could be alleviated by increasing cassava production and processing within the country.The demand for bioethanol in Nigeria, used as fuel for cooking and powering vehicles (E10), exceeds 1 billion litres annually, yet local production is nearly non-existent.
The Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, highlighted that Nigeria has the optimal climate and land resources to produce sufficient cassava for both food and industrial purposes.
Addressing stakeholders, Chief Nnaji emphasized the potential and existing gaps in the cassava value chain:
*High-quality cassava flour: Demand is over 500,000T, with supply below 15,000T.
*Cassava starch: Demand exceeds 300,000T, with supply below 10,000T.
*Cassava-based sugar syrup: Demand is above 350,000T, with almost non-existent supply.
*Ethanol for cooking and vehicles: Demand exceeds 1 billion litres, with production nearly zero.
Bridging these supply gaps could generate over $400 million annually for farmers and processors, reducing Nigeria's reliance on imports and creating numerous jobs. To achieve this, the ministry has introduced improved agricultural practices and drought-resistant, high-yield cassava varieties.
In line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology has partnered with Montserrado Investments Ltd and the Federal Institute of Industrial Research to establish a cassava-based ethanol plant in Ekiti State. This initiative aims to reduce reliance on imported cooking fuels and protect the economy from global market fluctuations.
Chief Nnaji stated that piloting this transformative project in Ekiti State will not only jumpstart the bio-energy value chain in the Southwest region but also set a precedent for similar projects across Nigeria's six geopolitical zones.
Bioethanol production from cassava exemplifies how science and technology can drive sustainable development.
Under Chief Uche Nnaji’s dynamic leadership, the Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology is making significant strides in various sectors, positioning Nigeria for a brighter future.
Nigeria will be great again.
Bishop Chinedu Nwoye
