NATIONAL BIO-ENERGY POLICY

A Policy that provides a framework for developing bioenergy from agricultural waste and biomass. It targets rural households and energy producers to promote sustainable fuel alternatives. The policy aims to reduce environmental impact and improve energy access.

What Is This Policy?

Nigeria's National Bioenergy Policy is a sub-policy of the National Energy Policy that provides a framework for harnessing biomass, biofuels, and organic waste to produce clean, sustainable energy — integrating the agricultural and energy sectors to diversify the national energy mix.

Who Does It Target?

Rural and peri-urban households reliant on traditional biomass (firewood, charcoal) for cooking Agricultural sector operators and waste-generating industries Energy producers, investors, and developers in the bioenergy value chain Households, institutions, and transport users seeking cleaner, affordable fuel alternatives

What Does It Aim to Achieve?

Transition Nigeria from unsustainable traditional biomass use to modern, clean bioenergy systems Integrate bioenergy into the national energy mix to support the 30:30:30 electricity vision (30 GW by 2030, with 30% from renewables) Reduce dependence on fossil fuels and cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in line with Nigeria's NDCs and SDG7 Generate rural employment and income through biofuel crop cultivation and processing

Key Features

Biofuel Integration: Deliberately links the agricultural sector with the energy sector through feedstock cultivation and biofuel production Economic Benefits: Promotes revenue generation, job creation, improved farming practices, and reduced GHG emissions from biomass energy Clean Cooking Focus: Addresses Nigeria's low clean cooking access (approx. 13–18%) by promoting LPG and cleaner biomass-based fuels R&D Mandate: Encourages research and development in biogas, bioethanol, biodiesel, and waste-to-energy technologies Gender Mainstreaming: Acknowledges the importance of integrating gender equity into bioenergy programmes particularly for women in rural areas Waste-to-Energy: Promotes sustainable use of agricultural residues, organic municipal waste, and animal dung for biogas and electricity

Current Status

Rollout Stage: Active — embedded in NEP 2022 and supported by the National Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Policy (NREEEP) Implementing Body: Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Power and relevant MDAs Coverage: National, with priority on rural energy-poor communities across all 6 geopolitical zones Funding: Federal government appropriations, international climate finance, and private sector investment under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 Challenges: Implementation gaps persist due to limited political will, inadequate infrastructure, and lack of coordination across institutions

How to Access

Bioenergy policy is implemented through programmatic channels rather than individual applications. Stakeholders can engage as follows: Investors & Developers: Engage ECN and the Federal Ministry of Power for project approvals, incentives, and regulatory guidance Farmers & Cooperatives: Participate in biofuel feedstock programmes coordinated by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture Research Institutions: Apply for grants and partnerships via ECN's research and development support windows Contact: Energy Commission of Nigeria: ecn.gov.ng | +234 (0) 9 523 7657 | Plot 701C, Central Business District, Abuja

Impact & Metrics

Over 80% of Nigerian household energy for cooking currently derived from wood fuel, charcoal and agricultural residues — the policy targets a significant shift Biomass demand projected to grow from 125 Mtoe (2030) to 137 Mtoe (2040) under business-as-usual; policy aims to modernise this consumption Nigeria targets 28% clean cooking access and 45% conditional emission reduction by 2030

Official Resources

Website: ecn.gov.ng | energy.gov.ng Policy Document: energy.gov.ng/Energy_Policies_Plan/APPROVED_REVISED_NEP_2022.pdf | Source: ECN, NEP 2022, NREEEP, IEA | February 2026

Legal Framework

The National Bio-Energy Policy operates under the Energy Commission of Nigeria Act, the National Energy Policy, and the Environmental Impact Assessment Act 1992. It aligns with the Rural Electrification Agency Act 2006, the National Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Policy (NREEEP), Nigeria's Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement (UNFCCC), and the International Energy Agency (IEA) sustainable bioenergy guidelines.