The Federal Government of Nigeria has called for investments in infrastructure upgrades to tap into the rapidly expanding global hydrogen economy that is projected to reach $200billion by 2030.
At the inaugural National Conference on Hydrogen in Abuja, government officials highlighted the urgent need for infrastructure upgrades, technological advancements, and policy frameworks to unlock Nigeria’s potential in this promising sector.
Ambassador Nicholas Ella, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, called for private sector contribution to the estimated $50 billion investment required.
He stressed that substantial funding is required to build critical infrastructure such as electrolysers for green hydrogen production, hydrogen pipelines, refueling stations, and export facilities.
As at 2023, countries such as Germany, Japan, and South Korea had already collectively committed over $70 billion to develop hydrogen supply chains and technology.
These investments, the ambassador said, will ensure Nigeria captures its share of the growing global hydrogen market, while also positioning itself as an investment-friendly environment that can attract international financial support and partnerships.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, represented by Sadiq Wanka, Special Adviser on Power Infrastructure, underscored the importance of leveraging Nigeria’s abundant natural and renewable energy resources. He noted that existing gas infrastructure could be adapted for hydrogen transport, significantly reducing costs and attracting foreign capital.
Nigeria’s vast natural gas reserves, estimated at 206 trillion cubic feet, and solar energy potential, with approximately 2,000 hours of annual sunshine, provide a strong foundation for producing both blue and green hydrogen. Blue hydrogen utilizes natural gas with carbon capture, while green hydrogen is generated using renewable energy.
By investing in these technologies, Nigeria could decarbonize critical sectors such as transportation, power generation, and heavy industry.
Highlighting the benefits of hydrogen adoption, Ambassador Ella projected the creation of over 300,000 direct and indirect jobs by 2035, spanning industries like engineering and manufacturing.
