The Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi (FIIRO), Lagos between 25th -- 26th July 2017, received representatives from GIZ and Bosch Packaging on technical courtesy visit with intention to collaborate with the Institute in areas of common interest in a joint Cooperation Agreement to develop innovative cassava processing technologies to improve income for Nigerian micro, small and medium sized cassava processors, and to create additional employment.
The Director-General/CEO FIIRO, Prof Mrs. Elemo and some Directors received the delegation of the visiting organization comprising of Project Manager (Develop PPP- GIZ); Caroline Trimborn – Advisor (GIZ); Francis Omoniyi – Sales Director (Bosch Packaging); Jide Obasa – Sales Manager (Bosch Packaging); and Emmanuel Monn – Inclusive Business Models Advisor (GIZ).
The Director-General/CEO welcomed the delegation to the Institute. She thanked the representatives of GIZ and Bosch Packaging for seeking to collaborate with FIIRO in the area of cassava processing to provide innovative solution to cassava processors so as to increase their income and provide employment. A brief presentation on the history, mandates, and achievements of the Institute was made, with emphasis on how the Institute has spurred industrialization in the different sectors of Nigerian economy through development and commercialization of indigenous technologies. On the team’s request for collaboration in the area of cassava processing, the DG/CEO intimated the guests that FIIRO pioneered Cassava Processing R&D in Nigeria and has developed over 25 commercializable products from cassava. She also mentioned that the Institute has worked on virtually all agro-commodities available in Nigeria and has developed process technologies to convert them to shelf-stable products thereby reducing post-harvest losses in Nigeria.
GIZ made a presentation on the concept note stating the objective of the collaboration. They intimated that the project concept is to develop simple mobile and stationary cassava processing units for both small and medium sized cassava processors. The small sized unit will comprise of a tricycle with a trailer carrying the basic cassava equipment mainly the hammer mill, hydraulic press and a source of power. They sought the interventions of FIIRO to develop a hammer mill that can handle both coarse and fine grinding/milling. The issue of fermentation rack was also discussed and agreed to be a component of the processing units. A draft Operational work plan was discussed and accepted with input by all the parties indicating responsibilities or obligations of each of the parties.
Bosch Packaging in their presentation emphasized the need for effective packaging of products coming out from the processors such as gari, fufu, starch, Bosch Packaging.
Prof. (Mrs.) G.N Elemo supported by other FIIRO Directors later led the guests on a guided tour of Cassava Processing Pilot Plant, Technology Transfer Training Pavilion, Exhibition Dome and other facilities of interest to the guests. It was concluded that there is need to sign a Memorandum of Understanding to provide a strategic guide for the tripartite collaboration. It was also agreed that the MoU will be signed by the Hon. Minister of Science and Technology, Country Director of GIZ and the Managing Director of Bosch Packaging in the first week of September, 2017.