The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Kogi State Government for the establishment of a biofuel plant in the state.
The MoU which was signed on Tuesday in Abuja will see to the production of fuel ethanol that could be blended into Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) or petrol and will be used in automobiles.
Speaking on the benefits of the project after the signing, Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello said that the construction of the plant and the production of cassava feedstock would create direct and indirect jobs for citizens of the state.
“Over 2 million citizens and residents of Kogi will have jobs as a result of this cassava and sugarcane that will be feeding the biofuel refinery. By multiplier effect means Kogi State will be more secured, the youths will be taken off the streets,” he said.
According to the governor, the MoU will see to the development of cassava and sugarcane plantations in the state, from where the biofuel can be developed in commercial quantity.
Bello said the state was committed to providing security and enabling environment for the project to ensure that it succeeds.
The governor said the state had approached the Africa Development Bank (AfDB) to secure funding to develop infrastructure around the state for the project.
The governor also allayed fears of any possible negative impact of the plant on the supply of cassava-based foods.
“As a matter of fact we are producing in excess now that we can’t even consume as a state. Eventually, we will produce enough for the refinery and for consumption,” the governor said.
Also speaking, the Group Managing Director of the NNPC, Dr. Maikanti Baru, explained that the completion target of the project was about 36 months.
