..As stakeholders meet to shape national energy policy

By Favour Ulebor, Abuja

In a bid to grow its energy sector and cut carbon emissions, the Nigerian government has presented a draft policy to support hydrogen as a new source of clean energy.

The two-day working group meeting, which held on Thursday in Abuja brought together key players from government ministries, international partners, and the private sector to provide feedback on the “Zero Draft” of the hydrogen policy framework.

In his address, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, represented by the Director of Economic Growth, Mr. Auwal Mohammed, said hydrogen could be a game-changer for Nigeria’s economy and environmental goals.

He stressed that with the right strategy, hydrogen could open new doors for innovation, jobs, and sustainable development.

He noted that hydrogen represents a critical component of our nation’s strategy to diversify its energy mix and mitigate climate change.

The Minister of Petroleum Resources, Ekperikpe Ekpo, represented by Technical Assistant (Downstream), Mr. Abel Igheghe, noted that given Nigeria’s vast resources, the country holds a significant competitive advantage.

He said its strategic location offers access to key markets in Europe, Asia and the rest of Africa. He also noted that Nigeria was well-positioned for leadership in hydrogen due to its natural gas reserves and renewable energy potential.

German Ambassador to Nigeria, Annett Günther, reaffirmed Germany’s support for Nigeria’s green energy ambitions, calling the partnership between both countries a strategic alliance built on shared climate goals and mutual respect.

She said, “Germany recognizes Nigeria’s immense potential in renewable energy, essential for the production of green hydrogen.

“The country’s dynamic private sector, young skilled labour force, and strong research institutions position Nigeria advantageously in the emerging global hydrogen economy.”

She further noted that Germany’s hydrogen import strategy, updated in 2023, highlights the need for strong international partnerships to meet its own net-zero targets.

The Country Director of GIZ Nigeria and ECOWAS, Dr. Markus Wagner, described the hydrogen policy as a milestone in advancing Nigeria’s policy and regulatory framework for energy diversification.

He said, Nigeria is positioning itself as a pioneer on the African continent; adding that Germany remains committed to supporting the process through technical expertise, funding, and joint research efforts.

The Director of Climate Change at the Ministry of Environment, Iniobong Abiola-Awe, called on participants to remain focused, describing the process as a moment that could shape Nigeria’s future on energy resilience, economic growth, and environmental justice.

The event was organised by the German-Nigerian Hydrogen Office (H2-diplo) with support from the German Embassy, the International Climate Initiative (IKI), and GIZ, the German Agency for International Cooperation.

Hydrogen is widely regarded as a clean and efficient energy source with the potential to reshape global energy markets. For Nigeria, it represents an opportunity to diversify its economy, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and position itself as a major player in global energy exports.

The draft policy sets out a national strategy to harness hydrogen’s potential in sectors such as power generation, transport, and industry. It also lays the foundation for investment, infrastructure development, and International cooperation.