…Germany depends on Nigeria to meet 2045 net-zero emissions target, says Envoy
Germany has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s transition to a hydrogen-based economy, as both countries deepen their strategic energy partnership.
This came to the fore at a two-day working group meeting held in Abuja to review Nigeria’s draft National Hydrogen Policy.
The gathering brought together key stakeholders from government, private sector, academia, and civil society to deliberate on the policy framework aimed at unlocking Nigeria’s vast potential in green and low-carbon hydrogen production.
With backing from the German government through its international development agency, GIZ, the initiative marks a significant step in Nigeria’s efforts to diversify its energy mix, reduce carbon emissions, and position itself as a hydrogen hub in Africa.
The meeting facilitated by the German Development Cooperation agency, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), reaffirmed the strong energy partnership between Nigeria and Germany, which dates back over five decades.
In her opening remarks, Annette Günther, German Ambassador to Nigeria, emphasised the strategic importance of Nigeria to Germany’s green energy plans.
“Germany recognises Nigeria’s immense potential in renewable energy, essential for the production of green hydrogen. Your country’s abundant natural resources, strategic location, and forward-thinking leadership position Nigeria advantageously in the emerging global hydrogen economy,” she said.
She stressed that Germany’s own national hydrogen strategy, initiated in 2020 and recently updated to include a hydrogen import strategy, acknowledges that international collaboration is vital for achieving its 2045 net-zero emissions target.
“Germany cannot meet its hydrogen needs through domestic production alone. That is why pioneering countries like Nigeria are key partners,” Günther added.
The German envoy also reaffirmed her country’s commitment to supporting Nigeria through the German-Nigerian Hydrogen Office, which facilitates technical expertise, capacity building, and joint research initiatives.
Representing the Nigerian government, Auwal Mohammed, Director of Economic Growth at the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, who spoke on behalf of Atiku Bagudu, the Minister, described hydrogen as a key solution to Nigeria’s growing energy demands, economic diversification goals, and climate challenges.
“With over 409 trillion cubic feet of natural gas reserves and vast renewable energy resources, Nigeria is well positioned to become a leader in clean and green hydrogen,” Mohammed said.
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He explained that the Zero Draft Hydrogen Policy is designed to provide a comprehensive framework for Nigeria’s hydrogen economy.
“It outlines the roles of government bodies, private sector players, and research institutions in developing infrastructure, enforcing regulatory standards, and promoting innovation”, he added.
The minister noted that Nigeria’s established oil and gas infrastructure could serve as a foundation for scaling hydrogen production, transport, and export.
He also called attention to ongoing hydrogen usage in refining processes, underscoring opportunities for local construction and industrial growth.
“Our refineries and potential industries already use hydrogen at various stages of production, presenting immediate opportunities for domestic development,” he said.
Markus Wagner, Country Director of GIZ Nigeria and ECOWAS, reiterated Germany’s long-standing commitment to Nigeria’s energy sector and praised the country’s progress.
“This gathering marks another step in Nigeria’s journey toward energy transition and the diversification of its economy. The National Hydrogen Policy is a milestone,” Wagner said.
He traced the evolution of the German-Nigerian energy cooperation, from the establishment of their bilateral energy partnership in 2008 to the launch of the German-Nigerian Hydrogen Office in 2021.
Wagner emphasised the importance of an inclusive stakeholder process in shaping a hydrogen policy that reflects Nigeria’s unique needs and strengths.
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“Your expertise and commitment are crucial in developing a hydrogen policy that will stand the test of time,” he noted.
Günther acknowledged the contributions of Nigeria’s dynamic private sector, its young and skilled workforce, and its growing base of scientific research and innovation.
She said these factors make Nigeria a promising candidate to become a leading green hydrogen producer in Africa.
“The creativity, resilience, and ambition of the Nigerian people are key assets that will ensure the success of a just and inclusive hydrogen economy,” she said.
She further underscored the potential for the policy to attract long-term investments and facilitate technology transfer, thereby creating jobs and enhancing energy security.
Ekperikpe Ekpo, Minister of Petroleum Resources (Gas), represented by Abel Igheghe, the key objective of the meeting was to present the Zero Draft of the National Hydrogen Policy to stakeholders for feedback.
According to him, the insights gathered during the workshop will be used to refine the draft into a final version that reflects both national priorities and international best practices.
“The development of the National Hydrogen Policy marks a critical step for Nigeria as it seeks to diversify its energy mix, reduce reliance on crude oil exports, and tap into the trillion-dollar global hydrogen market with Germany as a strategic partner”, Igheghe said.
He urged to maintain a spirit of collaboration and ambition, as the country works toward a future defined by clean energy, economic resilience, and environmental sustainability.
“Our vision for a hydrogen-powered Nigeria is bold but achievable. The work we do today will shape the future of our nation’s energy resilience and prosperity”, Mohammed stated.
