Materials-to-product potentials for sustainable development in Nigeria

Abstract

In this study, the materials-to-product potentials of Nigeria in light of the need for sustainable national development was systematically reviewed. It was observed that agricultural and solid mineral resources are as abundant as petroleum resources but have gained less interest in research and development (R&D) due to lesser cash flow. The management and conversion of waste to useful products was established as an important facet of the wealth creation for sustainable development in the Nigerian context. The key issue in waste management and conversion observed in the paper circled around the poor efficiency of the system of manual reclamation and sorting. The relationship between universities and the industries for product development was observed to be fractious. It was recommended that complementary policy and infrastructure be put in place to ensure sustainability, and efforts are made to diversify out of the petroleum revenues. It was concluded that abundant resources for materials-to-product innovations for sustainable development is not in question but the willingness/motivation of the relevant stakeholders to put the necessary machinery in place is non-existent.

Keywords

• resources
• innovation
• development
• nigeria
• sustainability