Nigeria and FOSSREA Forge Pioneering Agreement on Hydrogen Development
In a landmark move towards embracing renewable energy, the Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, has signed an agreement with the Foundation for Sustainable Social Responsibility in Emerging Africa (FOSSREA) to develop hydrogen as a key fuel of the future.
The agreement, signed during a ceremony in Abuja, marks a significant step in Nigeria’s commitment to sustainable energy. Mr. Aliu Hydar Mijinyawa, Chairman of FOSSREA, emphasized the global importance of hydrogen. “Hydrogen is not only the fuel of the future for Nigeria but for the world. Many countries, including several in Africa, have made substantial progress in hydrogen deployment and are reaping significant investments. Nigeria must join the hydrogen economy to ensure we are part of this crucial energy transformation,” he stated.
Mr. Mijinyawa highlighted FOSSREA’s mission to enable Nigerians, both domestically and abroad, to contribute positively to the nation across various sectors. He identified the energy sector as a critical area for development, stressing that the Ministry of Petroleum Resources should lead the initiative. “The private sector is always seeking partners to advance our country’s goals. This partnership holds immense potential, and we plan to engage experts globally to lay a robust foundation for hydrogen development in Nigeria,” he added.
He expressed confidence that the partnership would align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, attracting investors and strengthening Nigeria’s hydrogen economy. Mijinyawa also thanked the Ministry officials for their dedication and efforts in bringing the project to fruition. “We look forward to continued collaboration as we embark on the actual work post-signing. Although challenging, with the Ministry’s cooperation and other stakeholders’ involvement, we believe we will achieve our objectives,” he affirmed.
Ambassador Nicholas Agbo Ella, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, hailed the agreement as a turning point in Nigeria’s engagement with hydrogen. “This agreement provides us with a focal point for hydrogen matters,” he said. Ambassador Ella recalled his discussions with officials from the German Embassy, who highlighted hydrogen’s future potential, and acknowledged the need for Nigeria to integrate into this emerging reality.
For him, the agreement was a ‘dream come true,’ aligning perfectly with the Ministry’s vision. “Engaging FOSSREA in hydrogen conversations is essential. Going forward, our Local Organizing Committee (LOC) will collaborate closely with FOSSREA to explore Public-Private Partnership avenues, research, and exchange ideas beneficial to Nigeria. Hydrogen is revolutionizing many sectors globally, and Nigeria cannot afford to lag behind,” he stated.
Ambassador Ella expressed gratitude to FOSSREA for their proactive approach in driving Nigeria’s hydrogen development. He assured them of ongoing collaboration, inviting them to share research, knowledge, and expertise to train and develop the Ministry’s capacity in this vital area.
The event culminated in the signing of the agreement documents, witnessed by directors, senior Ministry officials, and members of the FOSSREA delegation, marking the beginning of a promising partnership aimed at placing Nigeria at the forefront of the global hydrogen economy.
