The German Ambassador to Nigeria, Annett Gunther has hailed Nigeria’s leadership for being forward looking, saying it has placed the country in an advantageous position as an emerging hydrogen economy.
Gunther noted that with the move to green energy, her country would not be able to meet its hydrogen needs and would be looking towards Nigeria.
She spoke in Abuja on Thursday at the opening of a two-day working group meeting on Nigeria hydrogen policy.
The meeting is sponsored by a German agency, Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and it brings together key stakeholders in the hydrogen economy with the aim to look at the Country’s draft policy, identify key strengths and gaps.
She stressed that Germany recognized Nigeria’s immense potential in renewable energy, essential for the production of green hydrogen.
She said: “Germany recognizes Nigeria’s immense potential in renewable energy, essential for the production of green hydrogen.
“Your country’s abundant natural resources, strategic location, and forward-thinking leadership position Nigeria advantageously in the emerging global hydrogen economy.”
She explained that for her country to reach its climate goals, including net-zero 2045, strong and reliable international partnerships like Nigeria are essential.
Speaking on Germany’s hydrogen economy, she said: “recognizing the pace of global innovation, this strategy has since been updated and expanded—most recently with the introduction of our hydrogen import strategy. “This reflects a clear understanding: Germany will not be able to meet its hydrogen needs through domestic production alone. To reach our climate goals, including net-zero 2045, strong and reliable international partnerships are essential. It is also in this context that we see pioneering countries like Nigeria as key partners—countries that combine renewable potential with ambition, technical expertise, and a shared vision for a climate-neutral future.”
Also, Country Director GIZ Nigeria and ECOWAS, Dr. Marcus Wagner assured of his country’s readiness to continue to support Nigeria’s path towards energy diversification and creating a sustainable hydrogen economy.
He said: “Germany looks forward to continuing to support Nigeria on its path towards energy diversification and in creating a sustainable hydrogen economy.
“We are convinced that today’s discussions will provide valuable insights that will contribute to the finalization of the hydrogen policy.”
He therefore pointed out the importance of the process, saying that national hydrogen policy is to form the foundation upon which a future-oriented, sustainable hydrogen economy in Nigeria can be built.
“A time of global transition towards sustainable energy systems, Nigeria is positioning itself as a pioneer on the African continent with this step,” Wagner added.
He also explained that the working group meeting will provide a unique platform for inclusive dialogue among all relevant stakeholders.
He charged the experts that their “expertise and commitment are crucial in developing a hydrogen policy that reflects the specific needs and potentials of Nigeria.”
In his remarks, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu said hydrogen can become the country’s next major foreign income earner with strategic planning.
He said: “It is important to know distinguished stakeholders that Nigeria possesses the core assets to lead in the hydrogen economy space due to its abundant renewable energy sources ideal for hydrogen production. With strategic planning, hydrogen can become a cornerstone of our diversification agenda, reducing our overreliance on crude oil exports while unlocking new revenue streams, industrial development, regional trade, and exports to the international market.”
He said the primary objective of the workshop is therefore “to present the Zero Draft Hydrogen Policy to this distinguished gathering of professionals, with the aim of gathering your expert feedback, constructive criticism, and valuable insights to further refine and strengthen the policy.”
He also explained that “In partnership with key stakeholders, the Ministry with support from the German-Nigerian Hydrogen Office has crafted a Zero Draft of the National Hydrogen Policy, designed to establish a comprehensive framework for Nigeria’s hydrogen economy. “This policy outlines the roles and responsibilities of government agencies, private sector entities, and research institutions, providing a roadmap for the development of hydrogen infrastructure, research and development initiatives, and stringent safety and regulatory standards.”
