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Biomass Fuel Feasibility And Opportunity In Nigeria
No full textNigeria a nation rich in non-renewable fossil fuel is in a quagmire of energy stabilization. This is partly due to the over-dependency of the nation on petroleum-based products for both domestic and industrial energy sources. With the economic downturn in the country, incessant fluctuation in the prices of petroleum-based products and its attendant hardship on the masses, the Federal government is in a hurry to key into worldwide palliative measures of alternative energy sources via the cheapest renewable means of using biomass, to generate energy. Nigeria\u27s agricultural sector produces four main agro-waste residues commonly employed in fuel briquettes to provide cheap, renewable and accessible fuel for domestic uses. These are rice husks, sawdust and wood chips, wheat and maize stalks, and cotton stalks. Other lesser-known agro-waste residues, also used include oil bean husks, castor husks, cocoa husks, etc. These agro-based waste products are dumped indiscriminately in open dump sites for waste pickers to deal with. This action has led to inefficient waste management and resultant pollution of land, air and water resources. Despite the volume of agricultural residues (114 million tons per year), commercial waste products, and logging activities in Nigeria, there is no active briquette production plant in existence in the country. The exceptions are the research and development activities around briquetting technologies going on in some Universities and Research institutions. Biomass briquette, a clean affordable fuel, is an alternative to fuel wood for domestic and industrial usage, particularly in places where there is a shortage of trees and a consistent supply of agro-waste products which is the case with the country. Nigeria cannot afford to neglect this viable sector of waste conversion with its associated job creation and poverty alleviation particularly as it faces the quagmire of petroleum-based products subsidy removal with untold hardship to which the citizenry is plunged. This paper presents a desk review, which investigates the feasibility of biomass crop residues for alternative energy generation and its opportunity within the country. 
Verifying The Limitation Of GNSS-PPP Derived Orthometric Heights In Engineering Design Using Non-Rigorous Approach
Get PDFHeight is a vital component in highway construction, vertical and horizontal alignments in structures, deformation monitoring, subsidence analysis and terrain model analysis. GNSS-PPP height is obtained by way of the operations of a single GNSS receiver, orbit and clock data products. The GNSS-PPP operations are conveniently carried out via the internet and e-mail services after RINEX files of observations have been sent to these various PPP platforms. This research aimed to verify the limitation of GNSS-PPP heights in engineering design using non-rigorous approach. The instruments used for this study were Automatic level and its accessories together with GNSS V30 Hi-Target receiver with its accessories. The primary data used for this research were obtained by leveling operations. The secondary data used were two GNSS-PPP coordinates which included the ellipsoidal heights and the geoidal undulation values for the two GNSS-PPP stations. The geoidal undulation values of EGM 2008 were obtained using GeoidEval utility software. The geoid eval computes the geoidal height using interpolation in grid of values. The root mean square (RMS) obtained after every interpolation was within the acceptable range of 1mm. The geographical coordinates of the stations were typed in, sent and within a split of seconds, the Geoid undulation values for the points were obtained. The geoid undulation values were subtracted from the ellipsoidal heights obtained from Global Navigational Satellite System-Precise Point Positioning (GNSS-PPP) observations to obtain the orthometric heights of the two GNSS-PPP points used. The orthometric heights then, served as the reduced level value for a point named “Kogi State Poly 005s” (KSP 005s) during the levelling operation including a fly back leveling. The redundant observations carried out were five (5) in numbers with a mean of 0.0461m and a standard deviation of 0.003m respectively. The results of the observations revealed that height accuracies. At 95% confidence level, the marginal error of the differences is . The results of the observations revealed that height accuracies provided by GNSS-PPP cannot be used in engineering applications where high accuracy is required. It is therefore recommended that local geoid be determined by gravimetric method to always check the applicability of EGM 2008
Impact Of Climate Change On Outdoor Thermal Comfort In A Tropical Humid City
Get PDFThis study examined the impact of rising air temperatures resulting from global warming and urbanization on the outdoor thermal comfort of the residents of the tropical humid city of Owerri in southeastern Nigeria. The bioclimatic indices adopted to evaluate the outdoor thermal comfort based on the thermal physiological balance of the human body are Thom’s Discomfort Index (DI) and the Humidity Index (Humidex) of the Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety. The study period spanned from 1988 to 2020. Results indicated the discomfort level deteriorated over the years of the study period. The results showed a 33-year increase in mean annual temperature of 0.45oC and in mean annual relative humidity of 0.27%. Over the 33-year study period, the DI increased from 23 to 26, while the Humidex increased from 37 to 41; suggesting that about 50% of the population felt some noticeable discomfort at the beginning of the study, but by the end of the study period, over 50% of the population felt great discomfort. Over any given time period, over 50% of the population felt intense discomfort during the dry season. At current temperature and relative humidity levels, over 50% of the population of the city feels some noticeable discomfort throughout the year. This knowledge is of immense benefit to health and tourism officials, building designers and organizers of outdoor activities. In view of the rising global temperatures, the study recommends provision of shady trees and use of cool pavements and cool roofs in city constructions to checkmate current discomfort trends from continuing. Ongoing commitments by nations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions should be fulfilled
Climate Change Adaptation: Climate Change Education And Real Estate Resilience In Anambra State, Nigeria
Get PDFThe real estate sector has experienced its fair share of climate change and its attendant issues. Cases of flooding and erosion abound in Anambra State. Housing, Infrastructure, human livelihoods and the health of inhabitants have been adversely affected by climate change. Efforts are currently being made globally to assess and adapt to the impacts of our changing climate and climate change education has become an integral part of the international response to climate change. The real estate sector needs to be up to date with climate change issues, to remain competitive in a rapidly changing environment. Consequently, this study determined the level of climate change education and perceptions of stakeholders in the real estate sector and how it affects real estate resilience in Anambra State. The study employed the primary and secondary sources of data. Data were analysed using frequencies, percentages and the Chi-square test of Independence. The study revealed that there is a general awareness of climate change. The few awareness programmes organized by the state government are not very effective. There is a low knowledge of the causes and impacts of climate change in the state. Knowledge about measures to improve real estate resilience in the state is also low. The study recommends that the government should partner with all stakeholders namely, property owners, tenants, real estate investors, professionals in the built environment, lawmakers and others in making and implementing sustainable policies and laws that will lead to real estate resilience
ICT Integration In Horticultural Agricultural Sector For Sustainable Technology Transfer In Nigeria: The Challenges
Get PDFThe strategic application of Information and communication technologies (ICT) to the agricultural sector, offers a greater opportunity for economic growth and poverty alleviation. This paper reviewed ICT devices applications and barriers to the horticultural sector of Nigeria. The review showed that Phyto-monitoring technique, e-Data Bank, Plant-Plus DSS, Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software, List Servers, Geographic Information System (GIS) were ICT devices that supported horticultural development for economic sustainability. Likewise, the review identified inadequate and unstable power supply, high cost of hardware and software, lack of financial assistance, inadequate databases, poor infrastructure and inadequate training on ICT devices impeded ICT integration in the horticultural sector of the country. It was concluded that the government should improve the horticultural sector through consistent policies and implementation, holistic adaptation strategy and proper funding
Housing Affordability In Ikorodu Local Government Area, Lagos State, Nigeria
Get PDFHousing provision and affordability are among the critical challenges in the housing sector in Nigeria, others being housing finance and land accessibility. Consequent upon the increasing housing challenges in Nigerian urban centres, this study examined the level of housing affordability among households in Ikorodu Local Government Area, Lagos State, Nigeria with a view to providing information that will enhance housing supply and increase housing affordability in the study area. Primary and secondary data were sourced and utilized in this study. Sampling was done using multi-staged and random sampling techniques. Two hundred and fifty-five (255) sets of questionnaires were administered on the residents of the study area. Data collected were analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics such as frequency table, relative importance index and factor analysis. Applying the 30% income – to - rent housing affordability measure, about 59.7% spend more than 30% of their income on rent, thus facing housing affordability challenges in the area. This study found that cost of routine household maintenance, proximity to transport route, and non-housing related expenses borne by households were the factors influencing housing affordability challenges in the study area. The study concluded that there is high level of housing affordability challenges in Ikorodu Local Government Area of Lagos State, Nigeria across the low, medium, and high rental value properties. This implies that a vast majority of households in Ikorodu lack economic resources for other family necessities after spending over 30% of their income on house rent. Hence the study recommended on the one hand that real estate developers should explore the profitable opportunities for real estate investment in Ikorodu for improvement in Ikorodu landscape with better housing designs, and consequently promote the state gross domestic product (GDP) and by extension the national GDP too. While on the other hand, the government is encouraged to intervene in housing delivery in Ikorodu in order to mitigate housing affordability challenges by increasing housing supply and pushing down house rent in Ikorodu
Community Monster: Reclaiming The Borrow Pits In Batagarawa Community Of North-Western Nigeria
Get PDFLand degradation is a global issue caused by weather extremes and human actions. Active pursuit of land reclamation policy, an aspect of land management techniques can help reverse the menace of land degradation. Land reclamation, particularly of borrow pits, can create a self-sustaining environment that attracts biodiversity and improves ecological services. Batagarawa township in North-Western Nigeria has a massive borrow pit covering an estimated area of 0.78 hectares. The pit is encroaching on other, important sites, causing environmental damage, loss of life, and contaminating other sources of water around it. This study used purposely selected samples and administered 300 copies of a structured questionnaire to collect primary data. Data collected were analysed using simple descriptive statistics such as percentages and frequency tables. The borrow pit, privately owned, has become a sewage and garbage dump due to extensive excavation work and population growth. It now extends to perimeter fencing walls of buildings, causing a threat to the environment. The study recommends restoring the site and supervising excavators with strict laws and penalties. Reclaiming existing borrow pits is a sustainable measure in environmental management
Climate Change And Ocular Health
No full textClimate change has serious health effects on humans. However, not much is known about the specific effects on the ocular system (the eye) where an increase in air temperature, heat waves, ultraviolet radiation (UVR), humidity, particulate matter, unseasonal rainfalls, sea levels and drought, cause ocular disorders. Therefore, this paper is aimed at highlighting the connection between common eye disorders and environmental factors, analysing available literature and recommending protective strategies that could reduce the effects of climate change on the ocular system
Land Value Capture Through Land Based Taxation: For Sustainable Infrastructure Finance In Anambra State, Nigeria
Get PDFAdequate infrastructure plays substantial roles in the economic development of nations. Over the years, Nigeria has failed immensely in the provision and maintenance of infrastructure. The Nigerian economy is yet to recover from the aftermath of the COVID 19 pandemic, and country is witnessing an all-time unimaginably high debt profile despite the rise in the international oil prices. In the midst of the above economic challenges, Nigeria is further plagued by hike in crude oil products, oil theft, relocation of major international oil companies out of Nigeria, and the payment of huge oil subsidies to private sector petroleum products marketing companies under questionable conditions by the government. All the above listed economic challenges have resulted in decreased public finance for effective governance. Land Value Capture (LVC) is a financing tool that is being successfully used for infrastructure financing in most developed countries. Some developing countries that have same socio-economic peculiarities with Nigeria also use it. However, it is currently being -utilized in Nigeria. This paper is a theoretical survey of the various systems of LVC taxes effectively in use in other countries, the state of property-based tax practices in Anambra State, Nigeria, the challenges and the way forward for achieving improved public revenue. 
Phase Change Materials In Concrete As An Innovative Option For Energy Efficient Buildings In Lagos Nigeria
Get PDFGlobal concern for ever-increasing energy consumption and rapid population growth continues to put pressure on existing basic amenities such as housing and infrastructure. More so, the world population is projected to increase by 2.5 billion by 2050, with most of the increase in Asia and Africa. Lagos Nigeria, the commercial hub of West Africa, has been greatly affected by these scenarios of housing shortages and inadequate energy supply, with less than 10hrs daily supply of electricity to homes for sustainable living and comfort. The resultant carbon emission effects of fossil-based energy supply are of serious concern. According to research, continued resistance to adoption of innovative construction materials with their energy efficiency contributions has been found greatly responsible for this devastating condition. Hence, the need for this study with the aim of carrying out a general overview of the different types of Phase Change Materials applicable in buildings for energy efficiency and material conservation for sustainable housing in Lagos, Nigeria. This review is aimed at providing critical information necessary for researchers, designers, engineers and policy cum decisions makers in the construction sector to make safe, durable, and cost-effective decisions on thermally efficient buildings using MPCM. The overview covers the properties, advantages, and drawbacks as examined and evaluated in correlation with existing findings of residential buildings energy consumption study carried out in Lagos. Literature shows that most commercially available microcapsules are polymers with a few drawbacks such as low mechanical stiffness, flammability, and low thermal conductivity. Thus, concrete cost effectiveness and thermally efficient buildings, using l PCMs for Energy efficiency attainment in housing production is a viable option. The paper concludes that exploring the thermal efficiency efficacy of MPCM application to replace the existing 89.9% of building envelopes content in Lagos residential building construction materials will result in efficient energy consumption for a more sustainable housing environment