Vice President Kashim Shettima announced on Friday, May 24, that Nigeria will partner with Germany to tap into the $130 billion global hydrogen market.
The partnership, which aims to develop Nigeria’s green energy sector, is in line with the country’s renewable energy objectives and the global energy transition plan from fossil to green sources.
According to a statement issued by senior special assistant to the president on media and communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima spoke on Friday when he received, on a courtesy visit to the Presidential Villa, a German delegation led by a member of the German Parliament and Hydrogen Commissioner, Federal Ministry of Education and Research, Till Mansmann.
Underscoring the importance of a strong partnership between Nigeria and Germany, the vice president said: ‘We cannot run away from the fact that sooner or later we have to do away with fossil fuels and resort to green energy for a sustainable world and inclusive economic growth.
‘We appreciate you, and there is ample opportunity for us to partner towards the development of the 130 billion-dollar global hydrogen market projected by the World Bank to grow at 9% per annum’, he said.
On the potential of hydrogen development, VP Shettima expressed optimism that if Nigeria gets its act right, the entire African continent will equally get it right.
He noted: ‘Hydrogen has the potential to revolutionize a lot of industries in Nigeria, including fertilizer production. The Federal Ministry of Science and Technology is 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 potential and position. The potential is here in Nigeria.
‘When Nigeria gets its acts right, Africa will get them right too. You have a partner in Nigeria; in President Tinubu, you have a partner that you can trust. Leadership is about the ability to provide ideas to solve the problems of a nation,’ he added.
The VP commended Germany for the sacrifice and empathy the European country has shown towards other countries in different areas, noting that ‘though not endowed with a lot of natural resources, Germany is blessed with the human capital that has made the country a global leader across diverse fields, including technology and devotion to ethics.’
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), is crucial for achieving the goals outlined in Germany’s National Hydrogen Strategy.
He said, ‘Nigeria is a very important partner for the global transformation of energy. If you want to fight climate change, it makes no sense if one country alone goes down its own pathway. We need to come together in a lot of cooperation in technology, science, and human resources.’
Acknowledging Nigeria’s significant potential in the field of green energy, particularly hydrogen production, Mansmann said, ‘About 30 countries in Africa have the potential for green energy, especially hydrogen, and Nigeria is one of the most powerful countries in this field.’
On the role of universities in fostering innovation and nurturing future talent, he recalled his recent visit to UNN, saying, ‘We visited the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and it was really interesting to see the programs coming from there in renewable energies.’
He stressed the importance of cooperation in the field of science with universities, saying, ‘A lot of young, well-educated people are the ones that will transform the world in the future. Because of that, we think cooperation in the field of science with universities is most important.’
He added that Germany’s transition to carbon neutrality by 2045 requires a significant shift towards green energy imports.
‘Germany will be a major energy importer for the coming decades, needing substantial amounts of energy. Currently, 70% of our energy is imported in the form of fossil fuels, but we plan to phase out fossil fuels by 2045. This transition means that within 20 years, all imported energy must be green. We recognize the significant potential for green energy in Africa, particularly in Nigeria.
