Germany has identified Nigeria as a key partner in its drive to achieve a climate-neutral economy by 2045, especially in meeting its growing demand for green hydrogen. This was revealed by the German Ambassador to Nigeria, Annett Günther, during the opening of a two-day hydrogen policy working group meeting in Abuja on Thursday.
The event, sponsored by the German international development agency GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit), brought together top government officials, energy experts, and private sector stakeholders to review Nigeria’s draft National Hydrogen Policy and explore pathways to build a sustainable hydrogen economy.
Ambassador Günther highlighted Nigeria’s enormous potential in renewable energy, a critical resource for green hydrogen production. She noted that Nigeria’s natural resources, geographical advantage, and progressive leadership make it a strong candidate in the global hydrogen market.
“Germany recognizes Nigeria’s immense potential in renewable energy. Your country’s abundant natural resources, strategic location, and forward-thinking leadership place Nigeria advantageously in the emerging global hydrogen economy,” she said.
Günther explained that Germany’s hydrogen strategy, recently updated with a focus on imports, underscores the country’s need for reliable international partners. “Germany will not be able to meet its hydrogen needs through domestic production alone. Partnerships with countries like Nigeria are essential,” she added.
GIZ Country Director, Dr. Marcus Wagner, reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s energy diversification goals. “We are convinced that today’s discussions will contribute to the finalization of a robust hydrogen policy. Nigeria is positioning itself as a pioneer on the African continent,” he said.
Dr. Wagner emphasized the importance of stakeholder engagement in shaping a policy that reflects the country’s needs and capabilities. He described the working group as a “unique platform for inclusive dialogue.”
On Nigeria’s side, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, represented by Director of Economic Growth, praised the collaboration and said hydrogen could become Nigeria’s next major export commodity if properly harnessed.
“With strategic planning, hydrogen can become a cornerstone of our diversification agenda, reducing overdependence on crude oil and opening new revenue streams,” Bagudu said.
He noted that the Zero Draft of the National Hydrogen Policy, developed with support from the German-Nigerian Hydrogen Office, sets out a framework for building infrastructure, promoting research, and enforcing safety standards.
“This policy outlines roles for government agencies, the private sector, and research institutions in driving the hydrogen economy forward,” he stated.
As Nigeria faces increasing pressure to diversify its economy and transition to cleaner energy, this partnership with Germany signals a major opportunity to position the country as a renewable energy leader in Africa and a key player in the global energy transition.
