Nigeria, Malaysia to collaborate on palm biomass development

Business a.m

The National Palm Produce Association of Nigeria (NPPAN) has announced that the Federal Government of Nigeria is set to sign a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Malaysian government to develop the palm biomass sector in Nigeria. 

Alphosus Inyang, the President of NPPAN, made the disclosure during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

Biomass, also known as agricultural waste, is a vast and untapped resource with significant economic potential. NPPAN is working to capitalise on this potential by transforming biomass into valuable products. Through the strategic partnership, NPPAN hopes to learn from Malaysia’s expertise and experience in the sector, and to adopt best practices that can help Nigeria’s palm biomass industry thrive

According to Inyang, the development of the palm biomass industry in Nigeria could have a significant impact on the economy, potentially contributing $10 billion to the GDP and generating over five million jobs within four years. 

The NPPAN president stressed that Nigeria produces a massive amount of agricultural waste every year, much of which goes unused. He also argued that harnessing this waste for industrial purposes would be a major economic opportunity for the country. 

Palm biomass can be used in a variety of industries, with applications ranging from industrial products and electricity generation to medicine and fertilizer. Inyang noted that the use of palm biomass can have a number of environmental benefits, including reducing carbon emissions and preserving forests. He also pointed out that the development of the palm biomass industry could create new jobs, particularly in rural areas where the palm biomass is grown.

Inyang drew attention to the fact that the palm tree, with its 90 per cent biomass and 10 per cent palm oil composition is a largely untapped resource in Nigeria, as majority of the tree, including its trunk, leaves, and fronds, is currently discarded as waste. Inyang noted that this waste could be turned into a valuable resource, creating opportunities for economic development and poverty reduction. 

NPPAN stated that it is actively engaged with the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment to develop a comprehensive national biomass Master Plan for Nigeria.

Inyang expressed hope that the planned master plan for palm biomass would be finalised by June, providing a roadmap for the sector’s development. He called on the Ministry of Industry to play a leading role in facilitating the development of this plan, ensuring that it is completed on schedule and implemented effectively.