Nigeria could generate as many as 288,000 jobs and produce 1.5 billion litres of biodiesel by 2035 if the country invests in converting agricultural waste into renewable fuel, according to a chemical engineering expert.
Professor Kessington Obahiagbon of the University of Benin disclosed the projections on Thursday, October 15, 2026, during a renewable energy research seminar in Benin City, Edo State.
Obahiagbon, who holds the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) Professorial Chair in Renewable Energy at the university, believes that Nigeria’s agricultural resources could support a growing biofuel industry while creating employment opportunities for young people.
The professor presented his findings at the conclusion of the PTDF Professorial Chair programme in a lecture examining the prospects, challenges and employment potential of producing biodiesel from agricultural waste.
Nigeria Could Produce 1.5 Billion Litres of Biodiesel
Beyond employment, Obahiagbon projected that investment in the industry could support the production of 1.5 billion litres of biodiesel by 2035.
He also estimated possible foreign-exchange savings valued at ₦1.5 billion, alongside a reduction of approximately 3.75 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions.
The figures represent potential benefits rather than production levels or employment gains already achieved.
Biodiesel is a renewable fuel typically manufactured from vegetable oils, animal fats and recovered cooking oils. It can be used in suitable diesel engines, either on its own or blended with conventional diesel.
For Nigeria, developing commercially viable fuel production from suitable agricultural by-products could provide another market for locally sourced materials while reducing dependence on petroleum-based fuels.
Poor Infrastructure Threatens Biodiesel Development
Despite the opportunities, Obahiagbon identified infrastructure shortages as a major obstacle to expanding Nigeria’s biodiesel industry.
He said inadequate road networks, limited storage facilities and insufficient processing infrastructure could discourage investment and make large-scale production difficult.
Funding also remains a challenge, particularly for researchers and businesses seeking to move renewable energy technologies from laboratory testing into commercial production.
To address these difficulties, the professor recommended government support through targeted tax incentives, subsidies and investment in infrastructure.
He also called for stronger private-sector participation to attract financing, technical expertise and modern production technology.
Such measures, he argued, could help Nigeria establish a more competitive renewable fuel industry while opening opportunities for young Nigerians.
PTDF Seeks Greater Commercial Use of University Research
The Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund, Professor Shuaibu Shehu Aliyu, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to supporting research, technological development and professional training in Nigeria’s energy sector.
Aliyu, who was represented at the event by Ereh Iyalla, Head of the PTDF Gas Division, said research into alternative energy sources was increasingly important to the country’s economic and environmental priorities.
He explained that the PTDF Professorial Chair Programme was intended to help Nigerian universities develop practical solutions to problems affecting the energy industry.
According to him, academic research should lead to usable technologies, industry partnerships and commercial products rather than remain confined to scholarly publications.
He encouraged the University of Benin and participating researchers to maintain the partnerships and technological progress achieved during the programme.
University of Benin Promises Continued Support
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin, Professor Edoba Omoregie, SAN, praised the PTDF for supporting advanced research at the institution.
Omoregie said the professorial chair had contributed to the university’s research capacity and could help Nigeria develop expertise needed to make better use of its resources.
He assured the agency that the institution would continue supporting the research opportunities created through the partnership.
Nigeria’s Long-Running Push for Renewable Fuels
Nigeria’s interest in domestically produced biofuels predates the latest projections.
The Federal Government introduced a national biofuel policy in 2007 to encourage local production, promote agricultural investment and reduce dependence on imported petroleum products.
However, the country’s effort to establish a large commercial biofuel industry has faced implementation problems, including financing, infrastructure and fuel supply challenges.
Obahiagbon’s latest assessment adds to calls for Nigeria to make better commercial use of renewable energy research.
Whether the projected 288,000 jobs and 1.5 billion litres of biodiesel can be realised by 2035 will depend on sustained investment, technically viable production, reliable raw material supplies and stronger cooperation between government, researchers and industry.
