Foreign Direct Investment and Economic Growth in Nigeria

This work empirically investigates the effect of foreign direct investment on Nigeria’s economic growth over the period 1990 to 2012. The study made use of ordinary least squares (OLS) estimation techniques in analyzing the secondary data. The secondary data were mainly sourced from Central Bank of Nigeria statistical bulletin (CBN), Annual report and Statement of accounts. The result shows that Export assumes a positive sign which implies that there is a positive relationship between Economic growth and Export; in conclusion FDI has led to increase in Export in Nigeria. Keywords: Foreign direct investment, Economic growth, Gross domestic produc

Optimization of Experimental Conditions for Biodiesel Production

This study is based on optimizing the experimental conditions of biodiesel production by base-catalyzed transesterification using waste cooking oil (WCO). In this study, the key parameters varied were methanol (20, 25, 30, 35, and 40%), sodium hydroxide (0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 0.9 and 1.0g), reaction time (40, 60, 90, 100 and 120 minutes) and reaction temperature (50, 52, 55, 58, and 60 oC). Maximum biodiesel yield of 86% was obtained at optimum conditions of 30% methanol concentration, 0.4g of NaOH concentration, 60oC reaction temperature and 90 minutes of operation. Biodiesel produced meets American Standard of Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards of biodiesel fuel: viscosity (4.0564 – 4.9824cSt), density (0.8790 – 0.8819g/cm3), flash point (157 – 168oC), pour point (0 to -3oC) and calculated cetane index (7.45 – 8.26)

Optimization of Experimental Conditions for Biodiesel Production

Abstract-- Index Term-- Biodiesel, fossil fuel, methanol, transesterification, waste cooking oil