A researcher at the University of Ilorin, Peace Chinyere Nnabugwu, has developed a system that converts animal waste into biogas, offering a practical solution to Nigeria’s energy and waste management challenges.
The innovation is capable of producing biogas that can be used to power homes and industries, while also helping to reduce the environmental impact of animal waste disposal.
The project presents opportunities for job creation and could contribute to addressing energy poverty, particularly in underserved communities.
The development has been described as a step forward in Nigeria’s clean energy efforts, with experts noting its potential to support sustainable waste-to-energy solutions if properly scaled.
However, some stakeholders have called for stronger collaboration within the research ecosystem, arguing that similar biogas innovations have been developed in Nigerian universities over the years but often remain at the experimental stage.
They stressed the need for better coordination among researchers, institutions, and industry players to ensure that such innovations are not duplicated in isolation but improved upon and scaled for wider use.
Environmental and waste management professionals also engaged with the development, asking technical questions about the type of animal waste used and the methane yield of the system, reflecting growing interest in its practical application.
Despite these discussions, the innovation has been widely praised as a positive step toward sustainable energy development in Nigeria, especially at a time when the country continues to face energy supply challenges.
The breakthrough highlights the importance of supporting local research and creating pathways for innovations to move from laboratories into practical use in homes, farms, and industries.
Ubong Usoro, Nigeria Magazine
