Abuja: Vice-President Kashim Shettima has announced that the Nigeria4H2 Project is set to unlock Nigeria’s vast potential in green hydrogen. This initiative aims to revolutionize the economy and secure Nigeria’s place in the 21st-century energy market. Shettima made this statement at the Nigeria4H2 Project Results Workshop and End of Project Stakeholders’ Interaction in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the Nigeria4H2 Project was initiated by the West African Science Service Centre on Climate Change and Adapted Land Use (WASCAL), along with the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Afe Babalola University, and the Federal University of Technology, Minna. The project focuses on assessing the technical, infrastructural, regulatory, and investment landscape necessary to harness the country’s green hydrogen potential for powering transportation, producing electricity, and manufacturing fertilizers based on green ammonia.
The agency reported that one of the key results of the Nigeria4H2 Project is the potential for Nigeria to produce up to four million tonnes of green ammonia annually. Shettima, represented by Dr. Tope Fasua, Technical Adviser to the President on Economic Matters, emphasized the global shift towards cleaner energy sources, highlighting that Nigeria must not be left behind.
In a speech titled ‘Unlocking Nigeria’s Green Hydrogen Potential: A Renewed Hope for a Sustainable Future,’ Shettima emphasized that the project represents Nigeria’s strategic response to the global call for sustainable energy. Green hydrogen, produced from renewable sources like solar and wind, offers a pathway to diversify Nigeria’s energy mix, reduce carbon footprints, and create economic opportunities.
Shettima noted Nigeria’s unique position to lead in the green hydrogen industry due to its abundant sunlight and wind resources. The country’s strategic geographical location and skilled population provide essential ingredients for a successful green hydrogen economy. He commended the Energy Commission of Nigeria for facilitating discussions on the project, describing it as a cornerstone of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The vice-president highlighted the project’s potential economic impact, positioning Nigeria as a major green hydrogen producer and exporter. This shift could create new revenue streams, reduce reliance on volatile fossil fuel markets, and attract foreign direct investment. Beyond economic benefits, the initiative holds significant social and environmental advantages, contributing to climate change mitigation efforts and improving public health.
Shettima described the workshop as a critical step in the project, urging stakeholders to identify potential challenges and develop a comprehensive roadmap by leveraging collective expertise. He emphasized the necessity of public-private partnerships, international collaboration, and domestic innovation for the project’s success.