As part of efforts to ensure that Nigeria meets its needs for clean energy to combat climate change and achieve Paris Agreement targets, the Ministry of Petroleum Resources met with a delegation from the Foundation for Sustainable Social Responsibility in Emerging Africa (FOSSREA) and an international investor, led by the Chairman, Aliyu Mijinyawa in Abuja to unlock Nigeria’s hydrogen potentials.
In his opening remarks at the meeting, the Director of Upstream Department who represented the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Engr. Kamoru Busari, FNSE, welcomed the delegation and noted that the Head of Sustainability Investments, Gulf Capital, UAE, Dr. Miray Zaki, an expert on renewable energy was invited to share insights on ways to develop hydrogen in Nigeria.
Engr. Busari emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to exploring innovations that would increase clean energy usage and penetration in Nigeria.
Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman of the Foundation for Sustainable Social Responsibility in Emerging Africa (FOSSREA), Aliyu Mijinyawa informed the meeting that the delegation was in the Ministry to explore further on areas of collaboration and to formally seek the Ministry’s participation at the forthcoming National Conference and Exhibition on Hydrogen in Nigeria.
He added that their mission was also to inform the Ministry that they are in discussions with investors, financiers, and foreign countries interested in Nigeria’s hydrogen sector, noting that, these stakeholders are eager to invest in Nigeria, recognizing the country’s efforts to lay the groundwork for hydrogen development.
In her remarks, the Head of Sustainability Investments, Gulf Capital, UAE, Dr. Miray Zak, said she was excited to be in Nigeria and highlighted Nigeria’s potential to become a leader in green hydrogen production in West Africa, leveraging its gas distribution infrastructure, potential off-taker industries, port infrastructure, and experience with renewable energy.
She said her company was determined to collaborate with Nigeria in the bid to develop its hydrogen resource.
In a presentation titled, “Unlocking Nigeria’s Hydrogen Potential: Investment opportunities in Blue and Green Hydrogen,” presented by the Director Technical, FOSSREA, Dr. Sani Muazu and an Assistant Chief Petroleum Engineer in the Ministry, Engr. Andrew Uchendu, the presentation identified key drivers of the global Hydrogen market size and growth as decarbonization efforts of the energy sector across industries (steel, chemicals, transportation); Government commitments to net-zero emissions and technological advancements in reducing production costs.
The presentation also looked at ways to explore investment opportunities in Blue and Green Hydrogen in Nigeria, leveraging on the country’s existing and proposed energy infrastructure and aligning with national and international policies.
The National Conference and Exhibition on Hydrogen with the theme “Building a Hydrogen Economy for Nigeria” was proposed to hold from 26th to 28th November, 2024 in Abuja. It is expected to be a landmark event that would shape the future of Hydrogen in Nigeria.
Oluwakemi Ogunmakinwa (Mrs.)
Deputy Director Information and Public Relations
