‘Nigeria Is Open For Business’— Minister For Gas Reveals FG’s Plan To Launch Hydrogen Gas Production

NEW ORLEANS: The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, has said that Nigeria is set to launch a road map for its hydrogen gas production project, a move he said would ensure energy security for the country.

Ekpo said the project is also part of the moves for Nigeria to transition into cleaner fuel.

The minister said these on Wednesday at the 20th edition of the Americas Energy Summit and Exhibition held in New Orleans USA.

He said, “Recognizing the importance of innovation and diversification in the energy sector, Nigeria actively explores opportunities in hydrogen production and deployment. We acknowledge hydrogen’s transformative potential in reducing carbon emissions and fostering a sustainable energy future.

“We are actively setting up the framework for its development. In this pursuit, we are seeking collaborations with countries that have developed expertise and capacity in hydrogen technologies.

“We believe that international partnerships are essential in fostering knowledge exchange and leveraging collective capabilities for the advancement of hydrogen as a clean and sustainable energy solution.”

Nigeria launched its ‘Decade of Gas’ in 2021 which the government sees as a partway to reducing carbon emissions as it committed to the Paris Agreement.

Nigeria committed to transitioning by 2060 and has made investments in Liquified Natural Gas Projects (LNG), LPG, and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).

In 2021, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu rolled out the Presidential CNG Initiative targeting over 11,500 new Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-enabled vehicles and 55,000 CNG conversion kits for existing Premium Motor Spirit (PMS)-dependent vehicles.

The minister said the Federal Government has identified the pivotal role natural gas can play in the nation’s transition towards a more sustainable energy future.

According to him, Nigeria has huge potential to become an industrialised nation with its proven gas reserve of 208 Trillion Cubic Feet (TCF).

However, he believes industrialisation is achievable with the right policy and regulations to expand the utilization of its gas resources.

Ekpo told investors at the summit that “Nigeria is open for business and welcomes investments in the gas sector.

We extend an invitation to international partners, stakeholders, and investors to collaborate with us in unlocking the full potential of our natural gas resources.

“The Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) of 2021 is designed to create a conducive environment for investment, ensuring that projects are executed efficiently, sustainably, and in alignment with our shared climate goals. The PIA establishes a fiscal framework that expands the revenue base of the Federal Government of Nigeria while ensuring a fair return for investors.

“As we advance our capabilities in LNG production and explore the potential of hydrogen, we stand ready to contribute meaningfully to collective efforts aimed at decarbonizing global energy markets.”