Unlocking sargassum for sustainable development

Prof. Benjamin Aribisala, the Director of Lagos State University Centre of Excellence for Sargassum Research, writes from Lagos

Government funding has long been recognised as a crucial enabler of research and development, particularly in addressing complex challenges that require innovative solutions and long-term investment. Across the world, strategic funding from public institutions has fuelled transformative projects, from advancing renewable energy technologies to breakthroughs in medical science. For Nigeria, such investments are not just a means of catching up with global innovation trends but an imperative to harness local resources and expertise for sustainable development.

In Lagos State, the government has taken a bold step toward this vision by establishing the Lagos State Science Research and Innovation Council. This body represents a strategic commitment to promoting research-led solutions for local challenges. One standout example of LASRIC’s impact is its partnership with Lagos State University’s Centre of Excellence for Sargassum Research. Established in 2020, CESAR has positioned itself as a pioneer in transforming sargassum, a proliferating seaweed often seen as an environmental nuisance, into an invaluable resource for sustainable development.

Sargassum’s presence along Nigeria’s coastline, particularly in Lagos State, has for years posed challenges for coastal communities. Fishing, an essential source of livelihood in these areas, has been severely impacted by the mass influx of sargassum, which obstructs waterways and depletes marine biodiversity. Yet, with the support of LASRIC’s funding, CESAR has demonstrated how this seaweed can be repurposed into innovative solutions that address not only environmental concerns but also economic and social needs.

Indeed, at the very heart of CESAR’s work is turning sargassum from a challenge into a sustainable asset.

Researchers at the centre have identified multiple applications for this resource, leveraging its nutrient-rich composition and fibrous structure. The development of sargassum-based animal feeds, for instance, has been a breakthrough achievement. Products such as SargaFish Feed and SargaChicken Feed provide an eco-friendly, cost-effective alternative to traditional livestock feeds. These innovations offer dual benefits: improving animal health and productivity while mitigating the ecological problems associated with sargassum’s uncontrolled spread.

CESAR’s initiatives extend into pharmaceuticals, where sargassum-derived compounds are being explored for their potential in treating illnesses like diabetes and cancer. This line of research underscores the intersection of environmental sustainability and human health, with implications that could reshape Nigeria’s pharmaceutical industry. Additionally, the centre has introduced sargassum as a raw material for sustainable construction products. Its fibres are now being used to create ceiling boards and bricks, offering a renewable alternative to non-sustainable building materials. This innovation speaks to a growing demand for eco-conscious construction and highlights the economic opportunities of scaling such ventures.

Another area of CESAR’s work involves cosmetics. Recognising global shifts toward organic and eco-friendly beauty products, researchers have developed skincare solutions derived from sargassum’s vitamins and bioactive compounds. This foray into the cosmetic industry not only aligns with consumer trends but also generates economic opportunities for local industries and communities involved in production.

Indeed, the multifold significance of LASRIC’s funding cannot be overstated in this context. Beyond enabling research, it has provided CESAR with the resources to scale its innovations, secure intellectual property rights, and gain recognition at the national level. The centre’s achievements were most notably highlighted at the 2023 Federal Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation Expo, where CESAR earned the top prize in its category. Such accolades affirm the relevance and potential of LASRIC’s investment strategy in fostering local innovation.

Yet, for all its accomplishments, CESAR faces persistent challenges. The seasonality of sargassum blooms limits consistent supply, further highlighting the need for dedicated cultivation programmes. Addressing this requires additional funding and technical expertise, areas where further public and private investments could make a substantial difference. There is also a broader need to enhance awareness among policymakers, industry players, and local communities about sargassum’s potential and CESAR’s role in harnessing it.

Globally, the sargassum market continues to grow, with an estimated value of over

$3bn annually. Nigeria, through CESAR, is well-positioned to tap into this market and drive economic diversification. Integrating sargassum processing into national strategies can create thousands of jobs, reduce poverty, and support the government’s broader developmental objectives. For instance, sargassum-based livestock feeds could transform the agricultural sector by reducing production costs and improving food security. Similarly, its use in biofuels and bioplastics could help reduce dependence on non-renewable resources, aligning Nigeria’s economy with global sustainability trends.

Equally important are the environmental benefits. Sargassum acts as a carbon sink, capturing significant amounts of atmospheric carbon dioxide. Its large-scale cultivation and utilisation could serve as a vital component of Nigeria’s climate action strategy, contributing to emissions reduction and enhancing the resilience of coastal ecosystems. By addressing the ecological disruptions caused by uncontrolled blooms, CESAR’s initiatives also offer a framework for balancing conservation with economic development.

Moving forward, the collaboration between CESAR and LASRIC sets an example of how targeted funding can unlock innovation with far-reaching impacts. Strengthening this partnership will require broader stakeholder engagement. Industries ranging from pharmaceuticals to agriculture and construction can play critical roles in commercialising CESAR’s research outputs. Additionally, international collaborations with research institutions could introduce advanced methodologies and open avenues for global market integration.

The role of government in supporting centres like CESAR cannot be overemphasised. While LASRIC has laid a strong foundation, sustained funding and strategic policies are essential to ensure the long-term success of such initiatives. Expanding CESAR’s capacity, from building state-of-the-art facilities to training a new generation of researchers, is critical for maximising the potential of sargassum and addressing Nigeria’s developmental goals.

This journey—from ecological nuisance to economic asset—demonstrates the power of innovation driven by strategic investments. With the continued support of LASRIC and broader collaboration, CESAR stands poised to make Nigeria a global leader in sustainable sargassum utilisation.

Drawing inspiration from other global success stories, such as seaweed farming in South-East Asia, Nigeria can adopt targeted policies to encourage investments in sargassum-based industries. This includes tax incentives for companies investing in green technologies and capacity-building programmes for communities to engage in sargassum cultivation and processing.

For communities along Nigeria’s coastline, particularly those in Lagos State, sargassum offers a lifeline to sustainable livelihoods. By transitioning from fishing reliance to diversified income streams such as seaweed farming and product processing, these communities can build resilience against economic shocks and environmental changes. Empowering these communities through training and access to resources will be critical for ensuring equitable distribution of the benefits arising from sargassum utilisation.

Ultimately, the case of sargassum shows how Nigeria’s untapped natural resources can be harnessed to meet the Sustainable Development Goals. It aligns with the global imperative to shift from extractive industries to regenerative economies. Nigeria has an opportunity to lead in this transition, and CESAR’s work, backed by LASRIC’s funding, provides a roadmap for achieving it.