The Ministry of Petroleum Resources (MPR), in partnership with the Foundation for Sustainable Social Responsibility in Emerging Africa (FOSSREA), recently visited the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment to solicit support for the upcoming National Conference and Exhibition on Hydrogen in Nigeria.
In his address at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Director overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Engr. Kamoru Busari, FNSE, emphasized Nigeria’s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2060 through its Energy Transition Plan.
He emphasized the crucial role of collaboration in promoting hydrogen as a cleaner energy source and ensuring a successful conference, stressing the need for support from key Ministries.
Engr. Busari expressed gratitude to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for accommodating the team despite short notice, noting that the Ministry’s involvement was vital, given the participation of numerous Embassies and Foreign Countries in the Conference.
In his response, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Dunoma Umar Ahmed pledged his Ministry’s support, citing their mandate to facilitate foreign investments in Nigeria.
Dr. Ahmed also expressed enthusiasm for his Ministry’s participation in the Federal Government’s initiative to transition to renewable and cleaner energy sources.
In a related development, the Director of Gas Department at the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Oluremi Komolafe also represented the Permanent Secretary on a courtesy visit to the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment.
Speaking during the visit, Mrs. Komolafe highlighted the significance of Nigeria’s abundant hydrogen deposits amidst the global push for renewable energy and mentioned the upcoming National Conference and Exhibition on Hydrogen, scheduled for a later date in the year and the collaboration with FOSSREA to facilitate the event.
In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Amb. Nura Abba Rimi emphasized his Ministry’s close collaboration with the Ministry of Petroleum Resources to ensure that investors in the oil and gas sector receive adequate information and support when doing business in Nigeria.
He noted that the Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) was established to provide a level playing field for all investors and stated that investment in Hydrogen and Natural Gas would always be profitable because of the global energy transition campaign.
The meetings were aimed to foster inter-ministerial cooperation and support for Nigeria’s hydrogen development efforts.
Oluwakemi Ogunmakinwa (Mrs)
Deputy Director (Press and Public Relations)