Nigeria to partner Germany on $130bn global hydrogen market

Vice President Kashim Shettima has reiterated Nigeria’s readiness to tap from the $130 billion global hydrogen market by partnering with the Republic of Germany in the development of its green energy sector.

The vice president said the move was part of the advancement of the country’s hydrogen market in line with its renewable energy objectives and the global energy transition plan from fossil to green sources.

Senator Shettima said this on Friday when he received a German delegation led by a member of German Parliament and Hydrogen Commissioner, Federal Ministry of Education and Research, Mr Till Mansmann.

Underscoring the importance of strong partnership between Nigeria and Germany, the vice president  said: “We cannot run away from the fact that sooner than later, we have to do away with fossil fuel and resort to green energy for a sustainable world and an inclusive economic growth.

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“We appreciate you and there is ample opportunity for us to partner towards the development of the 130 billion-dollars global hydrogen market projected by the World Bank to grow at 9 per cent per annum.”  

On the potentials in hydrogen development, Shettima expressed optimism that if Nigeria got its acts right, the entire African continent would equally get it right. 

He noted that hydrogen had the potential of revolutionising a lot of industries in Nigeria, including fertiliser production, and that the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology was ready to partner with authorities in Germany to drive the process towards developing the hydrogen market in Nigeria and beyond.

“Partnering to develop the hydrogen market in Nigeria will positively impact the rest of the African continent given its potentials and position. The potentials are here in Nigeria. When Nigeria gets its acts right, Africa will get it right too. You have a partner in Nigeria, In President Tinubu, you have a partner you can trust. Leadership is about the ability to provide ideas to the problems of a country,” he added.

Speaking earlier, the head of the German delegation/member of the German Parliament and Hydrogen Commissioner, Mansmann, said collaboration with Nigeria and institutions like the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) was crucial for achieving the goals outlined in Germany’s National Hydrogen Strategy.