Accra:An expert in chemical engineering, Prof. Kessington Obahiagbon, has projected that Nigeria could generate 288,000 jobs and produce 1.5 billion liters of biodiesel by 2035 through investments in converting agricultural waste into fuel. This initiative could also save the country N1.5 billion in foreign exchange and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 3.75 million tonnes.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Obahiagbon, who holds the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) Professorial Chair in Renewable Energy at the University of Benin, highlighted these projections during a lecture at the close-out seminar of the PTDF Professorial Chair in Renewable Energy. He identified inadequate infrastructure, including roads, storage facilities, and refineries, as significant challenges hindering biodiesel development in Nigeria.
Obahiagbon emphasized the need for government incentives such as tax breaks, subsidies, infrastructure investment, and private-sector participation to bridge funding gaps and provide the expertise and technology necessary for industry development. He noted that transforming agricultural waste into fuel offers opportunities for diversifying energy sources, managing waste sustainably, and expanding employment for young Nigerians.
In addition, Prof. Shuaibu Aliyu, Executive Secretary of the PTDF, reaffirmed the fund’s commitment to fostering research, innovation, and technological advancement in Nigeria’s energy sector. Represented by Ereh Iyalla, Head of Gas Division at PTDF, Aliyu described the research focus as timely, aligning with Nigeria’s goals for sustainable energy, environmental protection, economic diversification, and youth employment.
Aliyu urged researchers to ensure their findings extend beyond academic publications to include technology development, demonstration, industry adoption, and commercialization. He encouraged the University of Benin and its researchers to maintain the partnerships and innovations developed under the PTDF programme beyond the closure of the professorial chair.
Prof. Edoba Omoregie, SAN, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin, praised PTDF for establishing the professorial chair, describing it as an endowment aimed at enhancing the university’s research profile and enabling Nigeria to realize its potential. He assured the fund that the university would continue to value and maximize the opportunities provided by hosting the chair.