Nigerian cassava could save $2.54 billion in annual ethanol imports

In Nigeria, the national cassava producers association believes the country can save $2.54 billion in ethanol imports annually and generate $4.13 billion in revenue if cassava is used for producing ethanol. Currently only 3% of ethanol consumption is produced domestically. Under a previous administration, the government had pushed for a 20% inclusion of cassava in bread to reduce wheat flour imports but processors didn’t have access to funds so didn’t buy the cassava, leaving farmers without a market that turned into a glut. Therefore the association says a strong enabling framework for ethanol from cassava is required to encourage farmers to boost production.