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.
Director, Investment Promotion and Consultancy Services Department (IPCSD), Mr A. Yaro giving the Welcome Address.
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.
