The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Budget and National Planning, Engr. Nebeolisa Anako, has described Bioethanol as one of the initiatives of the Federal Government to achieve its aspiration of bringing about higher GDP growth while also significantly reducing unemployment through the creation of meaningful opportunities for the youth.
He made this known during the North East Zonal version of the Sensitization Workshop on Strategic Implementation of the Bioethanol Project, which held on the 1st August 2023 in Yola, Adamawa State.
Engr. Anako who was represented by Mr. Muhammed Auwal, a Deputy Director in the Economic Growth Department reiterated Federal Government’s resolve to implement a Bio Ethanol project that would promote sustainable economic growth and positively impact the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), through the development of the Cassava Bio-economy, as well as other Bio-resources.
According to the him, it is pertinent to look at the Bio-economic response and how it can contribute positively towards food security in this present situation.
Anako appreciated stakeholders from relevant Federal Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs) for their collaboration and enduring partnership in developing the Bio-economy Policy as a Ministerial deliverable that was captured in the National Development Plan (NDP) 2021 – 2025.
He noted that the framework would employ a Triple-Helix Knowledge Transfer Partnership in its implementation through the Academia, Research and Development Institutes,Farmers, the Private Sector and Government MDAs as well as the Civil Society, Development Partners and Development Finance Institutions.
Explaining further on the initiative, the Permanent Secretary said that it is pertinent to look at the Bio-economy response and how it could contribute to the deceleration of the rising food insecurity.
He said, ‘the country, at this time, needs an approach that will increase food production, youth employment, and increased growth through the provision of industrial feedstock and exportable products to boost our economy.
‘To achieve this, one strategic pathway is to develop the Cassava Bio-ethanol Value Chain. This becomes even more imperative, given the recent removal of subsidy on Petroleum products, re-evaluation of the Naira through the merging of official and non-official exchange windows.’
He maintained that the development of the Bioeconomy value chain remained a veritable pathway to assuage the economic impacts on citizens and for sustained development.
Another objective of the Bio-ethanol Value Chain according to Anako, was to demonstrate the efficacy of private sector-led approach in promoting investment in renewable Biomass, create wealth, provide jobs, reduce poverty, improve food security and nutrition as well as improved environmental management.
He also emphasized that the intention of the sensitization workshop was to develop modalities for the implementation of the Bio-ethanol project as well as identify the key stakeholders required for the implementation of the entire value chain.
While speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Adamawa State, Mrs. Dorothy Y. Augustine, emphasized on the need for diversification as risk reduction strategy. She said this sensitization program is timely due to the challenges of fuel subsidy removal faced by citizens.
She continued that Agriculture provides employment and income to over 70% of Nigerians, and also contributes to production of green house gases which is an exciting paradox for Nigeria as a country, she opined that if the economic benefits of Agriculture is harnessed, especially Cassava, the problem of unemployment would be reduced in the country.
Speaking further, she asked that the gap between demand and supply of Food crops be bridged by encouraging more production from our farmers due to its diverse use in both food and non food industries.
Mrs. Dorothy concluded by giving her word that she will continue to collaborate with other stakeholders to extend modern farming technologies that will address production challenges by bedeviling Cassava production in the country.
In his lecture, Prof. Ken Ife explored Nigeria’s Bio economy and the triple-Helix Partnership approach and conceptual design framework for the organic cassava-Bioethanol Pilot. He highlighted technology as a bridge between producers and consumers, students’ engagement in this project, strategic priorities among others.
Other discussants at the event include Rectors from Polytechnics, Deans of Faculties, Permanent Secretaries, Professors, among other intellectuals.
The Director, Economic Growth Department, Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Elizabeth Egharevba, who was represented by Mr. olaifa, a Deputy Director in the Department, appreciated all stakeholders present and wished them a safe journey back to their various destinations.
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Budget and National Planning, Engr. Nebeolisa Anako, has described Bioethanol as one of the initiatives of the Federal Government to achieve its aspiration of bringing about higher GDP growth while also significantly reducing unemployment through the creation of meaningful opportunities for the youth.
He made this known during the North East Zonal version of the Sensitization Workshop on Strategic Implementation of the Bioethanol Project, which held between 31st July to 2nd August 2023 in Yola, Adamawa State.
He reiterated Federal Government’s resolve to implement a BIOETHANOL project that would promote sustainable economic growth and positively impact the nation’s Gross Domestic Product, GDP, through the development of the cassava Bio-economy, as well as other Bio-resources.
According to the him, ‘the Bio-economy Policy aims at promoting sustainable economic growth and development by creating a Bio-based economy that will contribute to the job creation, poverty reduction, and increased access to food and energy’.
Anako appreciated stakeholders from relevant Federal Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs) for their collaboration and enduring partnership in developing the Bio-economy Policy, as a Ministerial deliverable that was captured in the National Development Plan (NDP) 2021 – 2025.
He noted that the framework would employ a Triple-Helix Knowledge Transfer Partnership in its implementation through the Academia, Research and Development Institutes,Farmers, the Private Sector and Government MDAs as well as the Civil Society, Development Partners and Development Finance Institutions.
Explaining further on the initiative, the Permanent Secretary said that it is pertinent to look at the Bio-economy response and how it could contribute to the deceleration of the rising food insecurity.
He said, ‘the country, at this time, needs an approach that will increase food production, youth employment, and increased growth through the provision of industrial feedstock and exportable products to boost our economy.
‘To achieve this, one strategic pathway is to develop the Cassava Bio-ethanol Value Chain. This becomes even more imperative, given the recent removal of subsidy on Petroleum products, re-evaluation of the Naira through the merging of official and non-official exchange windows.’
He maintained that the development of the Bioeconomy value chain remained a veritable pathway to assuage the economic impacts on citizens and for sustained development.
Another objective of the Bio-ethanol Value Chain according to Anako, was to demonstrate the efficacy of private sector-led approach in promoting investment in renewable Biomass, create wealth, provide jobs, reduce poverty, improve food security and nutrition as well as improved environmental management.
He also emphasized that the intention of the sensitization workshop was to develop modalities for the implementation of the Bio-ethanol project as well as identify the key stakeholders required for the implementation of the entire value chain.
While speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Adamawa State, Mrs. Dorothy Y. Augustine, emphasized on the need for diversification as risk reduction strategy. She said this sensitization program is timely due to the challenges of fuel subsidy removal faced by citizens.
She continued that Agriculture provides employment and income to over 70% of Nigerians, and also contributes to production of green house gases which is an exciting paradox for Nigeria as a country, she opined that if the economic benefits of Agriculture is harnessed, especially Cassava, the problem of unemployment would be reduced in the country.
Speaking further, she asked that the gap between demand and supply of Food crops be bridged by encouraging more production from our farmers due to its diverse use in both food and non food industries.
Mrs. Dorothy concluded by giving her word that she will continue to collaborate with other stakeholders to extend modern farming technologies that will address production challenges by bedeviling Cassava production in the country.
In his lecture, Prof. Ken Ife explored Nigeria’s Bio economy and the triple-Helix Partnership approach and conceptual design framework for the organic cassava-Bioethanol Pilot. He highlighted technology as a bridge between producers and consumers, students’ engagement in this project, strategic priorities among others.
Other discussants at the event include Rectors from Polytechnics, Deans of Faculties, Permanent Secretaries, Professors, among other intellectuals.
The Director, Economic Growth Department, Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Elizabeth Egharevba, who gave the vote of thanks appreciated all stakeholders present and wished them a safe journey back to their various destinations.
Amajioyi ifelunwa Ann
Senior Information Officer
For: Director, Information (BNP)
