AN OVERVIEW OF BIOETHANOL PRODUCTION FROM

CASSAVA FEEDSTOCK IN NIGERIA

Kura, A.M.

Department of Biological Sciences

Yobe State University, Damaturu, Nigeria.

E-mail: amohammedkura@ymail.com

ABSTRACT

The production of bioethanol from cassava feedstock may hold great promises for the fact that cassava is easily accessible, abundant, and has relatively low cost of production. However the high output of cassava in the country is in fact due to government policies in providing improved varieties and enhanced production practices. Currently Nigeria being the leading cassava producer in the world, has decided to participate in the production of bioethanol mainly from Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) feedstock. However, there is need for the government to review both short and long term strategies for cassava production, in order to meet the extra demand for bioethanol production. Since Nigeria government has embarked on an ambitious program to promote the use of bioethanol as transportation fuel. Therefore it is concluded that due to large availability of cassava in Nigeria gives a great potential for biofuels production. The study offers suggestions, to serve as contributions for the bioethanol programme these include excise tax exemption for the biofuels production and income tax waiver for both local and foreign investors; introduce loans and subsidies for biofuel production etc.