By Ochiaka Ugwu
The Federal Republic of Germany has reaffirmed total commitment to Nigeria’s sustainable energy transition journey following an engagement to provide stakeholders with a comprehensive overview of the zero-draft policy on energy transition.
Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Nigeria, Annett Guenther made this known at the opening of a Two-Day-Working Group Meeting on Stakeholder Engagement on National Hydrogen Policy for Nigeria in Abuja hosted by German-Nigeria Hydrogen Office (H2-diplo) GIZ supported by German Government aimed at developing Nigeria’s national hydrogen policy.
Guenther while noting that Germany was honored to support the process through German-Nigerian Hydrogen Office expressed commitment to accompanying Nigeria on its sustainable energy transition journey.
She also expressed Germany’s steadfast in its commitment to the partnership through various channels of cooperation.
“German-Nigerian Hydrogen Office exemplifies our dedication to providing technical expertise, capacity building, and knowledge transfer.
“We are actively exploring opportunities to enhance trade relationships, technology transfer, and joint research initiatives in the hydrogen sector between our countries, recognizing that this collaboration benefits both our economies.
“Looking ahead, Germany envisions deepening our collaboration with Nigeria on green hydrogen across the entire value chain – from production to transportation, storage, and utilization.
“We believe this partnership can create a model for sustainable development that balances economic growth with environmental responsibility.
“The policy framework you are further developing today will lay the groundwork for Nigeria to potentially become a leading green hydrogen producer in Africa, with Germany as a committed partner and potential market for your sustainable energy exports” she stated.
Also speaking, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Atiku Bagudu represented by Director, Economic Growth Department, Mr. Auwal Mohammed said that as stakeholders in the hydrogen space, “It is our collective responsibility to identify and develop strategies that can secure Nigeria’s prosperity in the face of global energy transitions”.
He stated that hydrogen economy represents a critical component of our nation’s strategy to diversify its energy mix, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and mitigate climate change.
“By harnessing the power of hydrogen, we can create new opportunities, drive innovation, and improve the lives of our citizens. Hydrogen has the potential to transform various sectors, including transportation, industry, and power generation”.
He revealed that in partnership with key stakeholders, the Ministry with support from German-Nigerian Hydrogen Office had crafted a Zero Draft of the National Hydrogen Policy, designed to establish a comprehensive framework for Nigeria’s hydrogen economy.
Speaking earlier, Country Director of GIZ Nigeria & ECOWAS, Dr. Markus Wagner said the engagement marks a significant step in Nigeria’s journey towards energy transition and diversification of its energy economy.
Wagner described the National Hydrogen Policy draft as a milestone in advancing Nigeria’s policy and regulatory framework for the development and diversification of the energy sector maintaining that it would form the foundation upon which a future-oriented, sustainable hydrogen economy in Nigeria could be built.
Minister of Petroleum Resources (Gas), Hon. Ekperikpa Ekpo represented by his Technical Assistant Downstream, Mr. Abel Igheghe appreciated German government for their unwavering support in advancing Nigeria’s energy transition.
He said it was a bold vision to herness potentials and offers promising solution to addressing challenges.
Director of Renewable Energy in Energy Commission of Nigeria, Mr. Ibrahim Sulu noted that the Commission has been part of the initiative and pledged its commitment to work with all stakeholders.
Recall that Ministries of Budget, Economic Planning, and Petroleum Resources (Gas) partnered with key technical ministries and MDAs with support from the German Government to develop a National Hydrogen Policy for Nigeria.
