ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, has revealed that Nigeria is developing Africa’s largest Green Methanol Industrial Complex and is seeking collaboration with Brazil in the areas of design, certification, and feedstock optimisation to advance the country’s socio-economic development.
Chief Nnaji disclosed this during a courtesy visit by the Brazilian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Carlos Garcete, at his office in Abuja.
Methanol fuel, a biofuel alternative for internal combustion and other engines, is gaining global attention for its potential to drive sustainable energy solutions.
“According to Uche, methanol has chemical and physical fuel properties similar to ethanol, and current research now focuses on its use as a sustainable marine fuel that will contribute to the economic diversification of the country.”
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The minister noted that, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the ministry is spearheading reforms aimed at positioning innovation as a central pillar for job creation, industrial advancement, and national competitiveness.
He further stated that efforts are underway to mechanise agro-processing and maximise the cassava, sugarcane, and soybean value chains to improve the livelihoods of Nigerians.
Chief Nnaji reiterated Nigeria’s readiness to work closely with Brazil to co-create “inclusive, sustainable, and high-impact innovation projects.”
Also speaking, the Director-General of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Dr. Matthew Adepoju, said the agency is enhancing Nigeria’s satellite infrastructure and is keen on collaborating with Brazil’s national space institutes in areas such as remote sensing, climate monitoring, land use analytics, border security, and disaster response.
In his remarks, Ambassador Carlos Garcete affirmed that the visit aims to strengthen bilateral ties between Nigeria and Brazil, particularly in the fields of technology, innovation-led development, and trade.