A professor of Microbiology at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Charles Ogugua Nwuche, said Nigeria’s vast agricultural waste could hold the key to resolving the country’s deepening energy crisis.

Nwuche, who said converting farm residues into biofuels offer a practical path to cleaner, cheaper and more reliable power, argued that escalating fuel prices, recurring grid collapses and mounting liabilities in the power sector underscore the need for innovative and sustainable energy alternatives.

He said biofuels, derived from agricultural residues such as cassava peels, yam waste, sugarcane and palm oil by-products, could reduce Nigeria’s heavy reliance on imported refined petroleum while cutting greenhouse gas emissions.

“Nigeria’s energy sector remains heavily dependent on petrol and diesel, leading to high emissions, unstable prices and supply disruptions.

“Biofuels such as ethanol and biodiesel are renewable and emit fewer pollutants compared to fossil fuels. They can be blended with existing fuels without major engine modifications, making the transition practical and cost-effective,” he said.

According to him, large quantities of agricultural waste generated daily across the country are often dumped or burnt, contributing to pollution. Converting such waste into fuel, he noted, addresses both energy shortages and environmental degradation simultaneously.

He explained that the technology involves biochemical and thermochemical processes. In the biochemical method, agricultural residues are broken down into simple sugars through hydrolysis and then fermented by microorganisms to produce ethanol or biogas. The thermochemical route involves heating biomass at high temperatures to produce bio-oil or synthesis gas that can be refined into usable fuel.

“This technology is suitable for Nigeria because it relies on locally available materials that are currently underutilised,” he said.

The scholar noted that it reduces dependence on imported petrol, minimises environmental pollution and provides affordable alternatives for rural communities.”

Nwuche added that developing a domestic biofuel industry could ease pressure on foreign exchange by cutting fuel imports and shortening supply chains, potentially stabilising fuel prices for ordinary Nigerians.

He also linked biofuel adoption to Nigeria’s climate commitments under the Paris Agreement, noting that renewable fuels produce significantly lower emissions and align with the country’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

“As global climate talks continue to push for emission reductions, biofuels can help Nigeria lower emissions in the transport and energy sectors,” he said. “They also reduce the need for gas flaring and open burning of farm waste, both major pollution sources.”

However, he stressed that scaling biofuel production would require strong government backing. He called for increased funding for research and development, pilot projects to bridge laboratory research and commercial production, and investment in rural infrastructure such as feedstock collection centres and processing plants.

He also advocated policy incentives, including tax breaks, low-interest loans, subsidies, and blending mandates requiring a percentage of biofuel in petrol to provide market certainty for investors.

Beyond environmental gains, Nwuche said a scaled-up biofuel industry could create jobs for farmers, engineers, technicians and young entrepreneurs. He noted that farmers would benefit from new markets for energy crops and agricultural residues, while youths could find opportunities in plant operations, logistics, equipment maintenance and renewable energy startups.

Looking ahead to 2030, he urged Nigeria to set clear biofuel blending targets, seek climate finance to expand pilot projects, pursue technology partnerships and strengthen measurement and reporting systems to ensure sustainability.

Nwuche said: “With the right policies and investment, Nigeria can transform agricultural waste into clean energy and sustainable livelihoods. Farm waste can power our clean energy future and position the country as a leader in Africa’s energy transition.”