The Nigerian Federal Government has committed to providing intervention funds to boost the development of methanol fuel technology in the country. Minister of Science Technology and Innovation, Adeleke Mamora, made the announcement at a roundtable interactive session with the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) on the feasibility studies for the adoption of methanol fuel technology in Abuja.
Senator Mamora stated that the adoption of methanol fuel technology will help to unlock a path for national progress and innovation, while also aligning with President Buhari’s agenda to create 100 million jobs within the next decade. He emphasized the Federal Government’s statutory obligation to facilitate and deploy science, technology, and innovation.
The Minister pointed out that the introduction of methanol fuel technology will provide numerous benefits to Nigeria, including improved electricity supply, reduced carbon footprint in transportation, and the creation of over 40 million new jobs. The adoption of methanol fuel technology will also contribute to the country’s pursuit of green industrialization, massive job creation, and tackling the impact of climate change.
Senator Mamora highlighted various projects and activities undertaken by the Federal Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation to bolster national climate action, including the National Technology Needs Assessment and Associated Action Plan for Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation in Nigeria’s most vulnerable economic sectors. He also added the presentation of the National Technology Action Plan (NTAP) received by the Federal Executive Council for approval on May 3, 2023.
The Minister noted that the Federal Government has provided a counterpart fund of $2.7 million, and supporting the scaling up of technological start-ups through a $2 million GEF grant.
In his remarks, the president of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), Dr. Al-Mujtaba Abubakar, stated that Nigeria should leverage its natural gas deposits to transition and fortify its economy. Abubakar highlighted various benefits of methanol, including job creation, technology development and domestication, electricity generation, clean household energy services, the chemical industry value chain, reduction in pulmonary diseases among women and children, efficient transportation services, and the cessation of gas flaring.
By committing to the development of methanol fuel technology, Nigeria is taking significant steps towards sustainable economic growth and a cleaner environment.
