Cassava Bioethanol Savings Nigeria 2025: Shettima Reveals ₦3 Trillion Annual Benefit
By Anthony Chinecherem
Table of Contents
- Shettima’s Announcement
- Economic Impact of Cassava Bioethanol
- Government Strategy and Partnerships
- Next Steps for Implementation
- Conclusion
Shettima’s Announcement
Vice President Kashim Shettima stated at the 2025 World Cassava Day in Abuja that Nigeria is set to save a staggering ₦3 trillion annually by producing bioethanol from cassava. He described this move as a landmark in the nation’s bio-energy policy—intended to reduce reliance on imported fuel additives, stimulate agriculture, and drive industrial growth. Shettima emphasised that “what used to be waste will become wealth,” urging stakeholders to support the development of a circular bioeconomy—particularly around cassava.
Economic Impact of Cassava Bioethanol
The shift to cassava bioethanol offers several economic benefits:
- Import savings: Over ₦3 trillion per year by reducing fuel additive imports.
- Rural development: Increased value for cassava farmers and processors.
- Job creation: Modules in agro-processing, logistics, research, and manufacturing.
- Energy security: Domestic ethanol reduces foreign dependency.
This projection aligns with earlier estimates—such as Minister Nnaji’s forecast of saving $30 million by converting cassava to ethanol. Shettima’s ₦3 trillion claim indicates broader indirect benefits, including industrial usage and food-waste integration. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Government Strategy and Partnerships
The federal government’s strategy links cassava bioethanol production to industrial development. It includes investment in research and processing, partnerships with institutions like IITA and FIIRO, and collaboration with Brazil for technical capacity building. The plan moves from subsidies to investment-driven models, with a focus on mechanisation, quality inputs, and private-sector financing. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Next Steps for Implementation
Key operational measures include:
- Deployment of cassava-to-ethanol pilot plants in Ekiti State
- Scaling successful models across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones
- Ensuring research integration through partnerships with IITA and FIIRO
- Engaging youth-led agritech in value chain innovation
- Developing policies for fuel blending and standardisation
Shettima’s emphasis on private capital and rural livelihoods reinforces the government’s Renewed Hope agenda—tying agricultural value addition to national energy independence. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Conclusion
The estimated ₦3 trillion cassava bioethanol savings Nigeria 2025 heralds an ambitious shift toward sustainable agriculture and energy security. Success depends on execution—polling from pilot implementation, supply chain integrity, and regulatory oversight will determine whether Nigeria can turn its cassava potential into a competitive, value-driven economy.
External Resources: Guardian Nigeria Report
Related: Cassava Biofuel Policy 2024 Review
Sources: Guardian Nigeria, Channels TV, Reuters, Nnaji, IITA
