The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, has said Nigeria is currently developing a robust Green Methanol Industrial Complex, the highest in Africa to produce marine fuel and other biofuels.
To this end, the minister said Nigeria is seeking Brazilian partnership in design, certification and feedstock optimisation for the socio-economic development of the country.
Chief Nnaji disclosed this when the Ambassador of Brazil to Nigeria His Excellency Mr. Carlos Gracete paid him a courtesy visit in his office in Abuja, a statement by the ministry said yesterday.
Daily Trust reports that methanol fuel is an alternative biofuel for internal combustion and other engines.
According to the minister, methanol has chemical and physical fuel properties similar to ethanol and current research now focuses on the use as a sustainable marine fuel that will contribute to economic diversification of the country.
The minister pointed out that under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the ministry is driving reforms that would place innovation at the center of job creation, industrial growth and national competitiveness for economic development.
He also emphasised that the ministry is working assiduously to mechanize agro-processing and unlock the full potential of cassava, sugarcane and soybean value chain for the betterment of the citizenry.
Nnaji then reaffirmed that the country was ready to work closely with Brazil to co-create inclusive sustainable and high impact of innovation projects.
Also speaking, the Director-General of the National Space Development Agency (NASRDA) Dr. Matthew Adepoju, stated that the agency is expanding Nigeria satellites’ capabilities and therefore seek collaboration with Brazil’s National Institutes for Space Agencies on areas of Remote Sensing, Climate Monitoring, Land Use Analytics, Border Security and Disaster Response.
Earlier, the Ambassador of Brazil to Nigeria, His Excellency Mr. Carol Garcete, acknowledged that the purpose of his visit is to deepen bilateral cooperation between Nigeria and Brazil in key areas of technology, innovation driven development and trade relationship.
