The permanent secretary of the Federal Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, Mrs. Monilola Udoh has stated that Nigeria has the ninth largest proven natural gas reserves in the world, with approximately 200 trillion cubic feet.
In spite of boasting Africa’s largest reserve, however, only 25 per cent of those reserves are currently being developed.
Udoh made this statement yesterday (February 28, 2023) in Abuja at the training workshop on the implementation of the National Policy on Methanol Fuel Production Technology Strategy Using Dassault Systems’ SolidWork Technology.
Also, the permanent secretary pointed out that the oil and gas industry is the backbone of the Nigerian economy. However, with a shift towards renewable and clean energy resources, the country’s economy can be diversified.
She stated that methanol is a clean-burning fuel that is gaining global traction as a viable alternative to fossil fuels in the country. Additionally, the country needs to explore alternative energy resources, and methanol fuel production will be an excellent option.
According to Udoh, the FMSTI is collaborating with Messers Coscharis Technologies Limited to train the staff on the use of advanced manufacturing technologies software and SolidWorks solutions to drive projects and programmes in the ministry.
SolidWorks is a computer-aided design (CAD) software that enables engineers to create 3D models of products, parts, and coupling of machines. It is widely used in the manufacturing industries to design and develop new products across sectors.
The permanent secretary emphasised that one of the mandates of the ministry is to necessitate the need for the training of staff for effective implementation of projects and programs. Therefore, she enjoined optimal contribution by all participants during the training.
Earlier, the ministry’s director of environmental sciences and technology, Dr. Peter Ekweozoh said that the Methanol Fuel Policy is one of the key mandates of the ministry to drive socio-economic development in Nigeria. He stated that the efforts of the ministry aim to ensure that “the policy adds value to our natural materials, which will facilitate the advancement of technologies necessary for job creation, serve as a source of raw materials for our manufacturing industries, generate cleaner electricity and cut down global warming”.
A statement by the ministry’s deputy director of press and public relations, Atuora Obed explained that methanol is a clean-burning fuel that is gaining traction globally as a viable alternative to fossil fuels.
“With Nigeria being one of the largest oil-producing nations and having the largest natural gas reserve in Africa, it is essential that we explore alternative energy resources and methanol fuel production is an excellent option,” he reasoned. The implementation of a technology strategy for methanol fuel production in Nigeria will require the use of advanced software tools like SolidWorks.
