A foremost Nigerian inventor, Ejikeme Patrick Nwosu, has won another patent for the development of flask reactor for production of hydrogen-rich gas from urine and waste water.

The Patent Form No. 4 CRP:010802 of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Certificate of Registration of Patent (Patents and Designs Act; CAP 344 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 1990) with RP: NGIPI2023/239, made available to journalists, was applied for on July 31, 2023, and sealed on March 04, 2024, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The letter of approval signed by the Chief Registrar, Registration of Patent Office, Stella Ozo Ezenduka, reads: “Whereas a request for the grant of a patent has been made by Ejikeme Patrick Nwosu of T Pumpy Estate, CRD, Lugbe, Abuja, FCT, Nigeria. C/O F S. Abah of BIL, Poly Plaza, Wuse II, Abuja, FCT.

“For the sole use and advantage of an invention ‘Design, Fabrication and Development of a Hybrid Patrium Flask Reactor for Production of Hydrogen-Rich Gases Via Chemical Reaction and/or Electrolysis from Urine, Waste Water and Water’ and Whereas the Federal Government being willing to encourage all invention which may be for public is pleased to accede to the request:

“Know ye therefore, I do by this instrument give and grant unto the person(s) above named and any successor(s), executor(s), administrator(s) and assign(s) (each and any of whom are hereinafter referred to as the patentee) by special licence, full power, sole privilege and authority, that the patentee or any agent or licencee of the patentee may subject to the conditions and provisions prescribed by any statute or order for the time being in force at all times hereafter during the term of years herein mentioned, make, use, exercise and vend the said invention throughout the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and that the patentee shall have, and enjoy the whole profit and advantage from time to time accruing by reason of the said invention during the term of 20 years from the date first above written on this instrument:

“And to the end that the patentee may have and enjoy the sole use and exercise of the full benefit of the said invention, I do by this instrument strictly command all citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria that they do not at any time during the continuance of the said term either directly or indirectly make use of or put in practice the said invention, nor in anywise imitate the same, without the written consent, licence or agreement of the patentee, on pain of incurring such penalties as may be justly inflicted on such offenders, and of being answerable to the patentee according to law for damages thereby occasioned.”

It added: “Provided always that this patent shall be revocable on any of the grounds from time to time by law prescribed as grounds for revoking patents granted by me and the same may be revoked and made void accordingly:

“Provided also that nothing herein contained shall prevent the granting of licences in such manner and for such considerations as they may by law be granted made this 4th day of March, 2024.”

Nwosu is a Nigerian inventor, scientist, and author. He was granted patents from the Nigerian government for his work on the conversion of urine into flammable gasses and on development of Ezeugo Flask. He has been listed among five other inventors in Nigeria, in a speech by former President Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, delivered by his deputy, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) for his inventions, including that of the Fire Retardant Paint.

Indeed, the Federal Government, in 2021, announced its partnership with Ejikeme’s company, an indigenous firm, Lumos Laboratories Nigeria Ltd, to establish a comprehensive waste management system for the production of biogas from urine and biodegradable wastes that would be used to generate electricity and cooking gas in correctional centres across the country.

The then Director, Pollution Control and Environmental Health, at the Federal Ministry of Environment, Mr. Charles Ike, said that the technology would be deployed to Kuje Correctional Centre and all the correctional facilities in the country as well as public places like markets and abattoirs, among others.

He noted the technology, which will produce renewable energy that can deliver clean and climate-smart energy, is an indigenous technology for converting of urine and faeces into biogas for electricity generation and cooking gas.

He said that the workshop was organised to engage with critical stakeholders on the project and get their inputs and buy-in.

The Lead Consultant for Lumos Laboratories said the use of firewood fossil fuel and carbon-rich fuels causes deforestation, environmental and climatic disorders, adding that no nation can claim to be strong until it is energy-independent.

Nwosu noted that Nigeria can tackle her energy crisis by deploying indigenous technology.

He said: “Nigeria is not energy independent despite its huge population and high tones of wastes being generated in the country. If we manage the wastes well, we will generate energy that can be used to solve our nagging energy problems. We are collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Environment on how to manage wastes from the correctional centres into gases for cooking and generating electricity and to keep the correctional facilities clean.”

He further stated that the bye products of the technology are used to produce fire resistant paint.