Chancellor Olaf Scholz has recently mentioned the potential of importing natural gas from Nigeria, expressing his interest in gas deliveries from the country and emphasising the possibility of collaborating with Nigerian gas companies. This announcement coincides with Scholz’s upcoming visit to Nigeria, aimed at bolstering bilateral relations with Africa’s largest economy.
“Nigeria has the biggest gas supply in Africa,” Scholz stated, recognizing the tremendous potential for natural gas trade between the two countries. He emphasized the importance of Nigeria as a key partner for Germany in Africa, both politically and economically. Scholz expressed eagerness to explore the country and deepen the partnership, focusing on economic cooperation, investments, global issues, migration, and security.
In addition to natural gas, Scholz also discussed Germany’s interest in ramping up the hydrogen market and identified hydrogen as a key player in the future of energy. Recognising Germany’s high demand for natural gas and hydrogen to fuel its economy and energy transition, Scholz called for negotiations between Nigerian gas producers and German gas traders to determine concrete amounts.
Germany currently imports significant amounts of crude oil from Nigeria but has not been involved in gas trade with the West African nation. However, Scholz’s comments indicate a shift in focus, highlighting the potential for expanded cooperation and investment across multiple sectors, such as infrastructure, energy, agriculture, mineral resources, and information and communication technologies.
In its pursuit of energy source diversification and the reinforcement of ties with Africa, Germany is actively considering gas imports from Nigeria. This exploration offers a significant chance for both nations to bolster their economic partnership and contribute to sustainable energy development. Scholz’s visit to Nigeria, his first since President Bola Tinubu’s government inauguration, is anticipated to actively promote greater collaboration and set the foundation for future initiatives.
