FG Targets Increase in Cassava Production to 120mm tonnes Annually

The federal government has disclosed plans to increase cassava production from 64 million metric tons per annum to 120 million metric tonnes per annum.

The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji stated this at the official visit to the Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi (FIIRO) and National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI) in Lagos, yesterday.

The minister led by the director-general of FIIRO, Jummai Tutuwa, visited the Institute’s Engineering building, Pulp and paper division, Cassava processing pilot plant, Exhibition dome and Training pavilion.

Nnaji decried the under-utilisation of the food processing equipment domiciled in the institute, saying the utilization would increase

food production and create employment.

“We have Cassava machines here and with Cassava alone, we can make a fortune in this country because Nigeria is the largest producer of Cassava in the whole world with 64 million metrics tons per annum and with the strength that we have now H419, we will multiple it to 120 million per annual,” he said.

He added that the ministry will assist the agency in leveraging technology to also resuscitate the country’s strength in exporting plantain flour, stressing the need for the country to produce its food items.

He also said: “the pivotal role these Research Institutes play in shaping and supporting the nation’s economic landscape. Their contributions have been instrumental in driving growth, fostering innovation, and creating employment opportunities within the country.”

According to Nnaji, “In moving this country forward, we need innovation, science and technology. We are at the front of economic development. There is no two ways about it.” He called for more revenue allocation for institutes like FIRRO to enable all the research effort to see the light of the day.

The minister emphasised the need for the country to start producing, saying that we have to earn forex by exporting rather than importing.

He stressed that this move would significantly reduce the high cost of importation, boost revenue generation, create employment opportunities and elevate the standard of living for Nigerians.

The director-general of FIIRO, Jummai Tutuwa said: “We are vigorously pursuing our broad mandate, which is accelerating industrialization in Nigeria and we have over the years developed technologies that promoted the ideals of entrepreneurship development.”

Tutuwa revealed the institute’s commitment to ensuring food processing and security, saying that the institute can produce tomatoes, Cassava bread and plantain.

Also, the director general/CEO of the National Board for Technology Incubation, Dr. Patricia Uchenna Chukwu stated that the institute’s proven track record involves providing crucial support to entrepreneurs and start-ups in diverse fields, offering them the necessary guidance, resources, and infrastructure to transform their ideas into thriving enterprises.

She affirmed that the NBTI holds the potential to lead the nation towards self-sufficiency across all its economic requirements, spanning from agricultural value chains to cybersecurity and high-tech SMEs, among others.