The Director General/CEO, Energy Commission of Nigeria, Dr. Abdullahi Mustapha has encouraged Nigerians to embrace the integration of Jatropha and Cassava for Biogas production to strengthen energy security, create jobs, reduce waste, protect the environment and drive rural economic growth.
Dr. Mustpaha made the call in a Message to the flag-off of the Sustainable Energy Decarbonization Project for Biogas Production from Integrated Jatropha and Cassava Plantation in Nigeria, Karshi – Nasarawa State.
Represented at the event by Deputy Director, Head of Renewable Energy Department, Babagana Tella, the DG/CEO of the Commission pointed out that the new innovation is one of the most promising ventures for Nigeria’s energy future – “the integration of biogas production from Jatropha and Cassava Plantations”.
Dr. Abdullahi Mustpaha assured of the readiness of the Commission to work with policymakers, investors, farmers, and researchers to make the vision a reality for the benefit of Nigerians.
“It is my utmost pleasure to welcome you all to this momentous occasion, the Official sustainable energy decarbonization project flag off for biogas production from integrated Jatropha and cassava plantation in Nigeria at Karshi, Nasarawa State. It is a privilege to stand before you today to discuss one of the most promising ventures for Nigeria’s energy future “the integration of biogas production from Jatropha and Cassava Plantations
“Jatropha curcas is a hardy and resilient plant. Its seeds contain up to 40% oil, making it a powerful resource for biofuel production. Remarkably, it thrives on marginal and arid lands, meaning it does not compete with our staple food crops for prime farmland while Cassava, on the other hand, is central to food security across Africa and Nigeria in particular. Yet beyond its value as a staple food, cassava offers vast energy potential through its residues such as peels and stems which can be converted into biogas.
“By combining these two crops, we unlock a series of opportunities:
i. Sustainable land use—with jatropha growing on wastelands, we ensure optimal use of underutilized soils.
ii. Diversified income streams—farmers and investors can gain from biofuels, biogas, and other by-products.
iii. Environmental protection—both crops support soil conservation and sustainable agricultural practices.
iv. Energy security—biogas generation strengthens local energy access, empowering rural communities
“In Conclusion, the integration of Jatropha and cassava for biogas production is not just an agricultural innovation, it is a national opportunity. It can strengthen our energy security, create jobs, reduce waste, protect our environment, and drive rural economic growth. As the Energy Commission of Nigeria, we stand ready to work with policymakers, investors, farmers, and researchers to make this vision a reality. With collective effort, Nigeria can lead Africa in sustainable bioenergy development”, Dr. Mustapha added.
On her part, the Chief Executive Officer of Aspitah Global Resources Ltd., Ms. Latifah Aspitah Isah FCAI, emphasized the purpose of the gathering and underscored the importance of the initiative.
Aspitah noted that 69% of farmers in the region are women, making them the primary focus of the intervention, assuring farmers that the company will buy back the seeds from them when they are harvested.
Ms. Latifah Aspitah Isah FCAI expressed her profound gratitude to the DG Energy Commission for Collaborating with Aspitah Global Resources Ltd.
50 persons benefited from the 2,000 Jatropha seedlings distributed to women farmers, Cooperatives, Sister to Sister, AWITA, male farmers and youths.
