Nigeria is partnering with Brazil in the development of a large-scale Green Methanol Industrial Complex projected to be the largest of its kind in Africa, as part of efforts to diversify the economy and promote sustainable energy.
The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji disclosed this during a courtesy visit by the Brazilian Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Carlos Garcete at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.
According to the minister, the project seeks Brazil’s collaboration in design, feedstock optimisation and international certification, intending to support socio-economic development and advance Nigeria’s green energy goals.
“Methanol is a clean, alternative biofuel with physical and chemical properties similar to ethanol,” Chief Nnaji said. “Current research is focused on its potential use as a sustainable marine fuel, which would contribute to Nigeria’s economic diversification and climate goals.”
He emphasised that under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope’ Agenda, the ministry is leading reforms that place innovation at the centre of industrial development, job creation and national competitiveness. He also highlighted ongoing efforts to mechanise agro-processing and fully unlock the value chains of cassava, sugarcane, and soybean—key feedstocks for methanol production.
Nnaji reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to collaborate with Brazil on inclusive and impactful innovation-driven projects.
Also speaking, the director-general of NASRDA, Dr. Matthew Adepoju announced that Nigeria is expanding its satellite capabilities and expressed interest in partnering with Brazil’s space institutes in remote sensing, climate monitoring, land use analysis, border security and disaster response.
In a statement, the ministry’s head of press and public relations, Pauline Sule noted that Ambassador Garcete affirmed Brazil’s interest in deepening bilateral cooperation in technology, innovation, and trade for mutual development.
