STRATEGIC ASSESSMENT OF TECHNOLOGICAL CAPABILITIES FOR SUSTAINABLE BIOFUELS DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA

Abstract

The inadequate implementation of Nigeria’s Biofuel Policy (2007) necessitated this strategic assessment as an input to policy reforms. The analysis entailed examining Nigeria’s biofuel Research and Development (R&D) capabilities, assessing the capabilities for sustainable biofuels development, appraising the limitations to Nigeria’s Biofuel Researchers’ abilities, and analyzing the technological constraints to sustainable biofuels development in the country. Using questionnaire administration, data were obtained from 500 researchers in the Faculties of Agriculture, Science and Engineering/Technology, and Departments of Training & Research of 15 purposively selected National Research Institutions (ten Universities and five Research Institutes). A technology foresight and strategic-analysis methodology was used for analysis. The results showed that 54.2% of the respondents had academic/research qualifications critical to biofuel development; 28.4% had continuous research activities in the area, while only 7.4 % indicated actual research outputs in biofuel development. Capability assessment for biofuel development showed Current Performance and Future Potentials to be Low (4.57 and 3.68 respectively). The main capability in the national biofuels innovation process was determined to be Pure Research. The two major limitations to biofuel researchers’ abilities were ‘Lack of government funding for research’ and ‘Absence of Research and Development facilities (Experimental/Analytical equipment)’ (both rated Very High, 9.6). The three major technological constraints to biofuel development were Limited technical entrepreneurial capabilities, Low capital and weak technical knowhow on the biofuel production process (Very High: 8.7, 8.6 and 8.6 respectively). In conclusion, the study determined technological capabilities for sustainable biofuels development in Nigeria to be weak. The study recommends developing strategies that strengthen systems for improved research, technological development, production and business development such as improved access to appropriate financial, economic and commercial mechanisms for improved R&D activities and improved professional advisory services