(Ecofin Agency) - Malaysian firm Bionas plans to build plant where it will produce bio-fuel from Jatropha plant, in Zaria, Kaduna State.

“Jatropha plant could produce aviation fuel and sell at the same price with fossil fuel. Every Nigerian would cultivate the crop, sell the seedlings for export. Our Nigerian partners are ready for the takeoff of the project,” said Zurina Amnan, CEO Bionas.

It added that Jatropha plantations could soon be developed and equipments might be installed in about two months. The company also intends to train 200,000 Nigerians to work on the project. “We are in Nigeria to offer technological transfer and we hope to do so through train the trainers’ programmes in the universities,” said Ms Amnan.

Furthermore, it will construct housing, health centers, schools and other infrastructures. “We are planning to build a new town for Jatropha project in Nigeria, as well as make Bionas seeds available to farmers,” she added.

Gwladys Johnson