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Nigeria Seeks Considerable Share in $130bn Global Hydrogen Market

Published

2 years ago

27/05/2024

By Adedapo Adesanya

Nigeria wants to tap from the $130 billion global hydrogen market through a partnership with Germany, says the Vice-President, Mr Kashim Shettima.

He stated this when he hosted a German delegation led by a member of the German Parliament and Hydrogen Commissioner, Federal Ministry of Education and Research, Mr Till Mansmann, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja said that the move would enable the government to develop its green energy sector.

According to him, the idea is advancing the country’s hydrogen market in line with its renewable energy objectives and the global energy transition plan from fossil to green sources.

“We cannot run away from the fact that sooner than later we have to do away with fossil fuels and resort to green energy for a sustainable world and inclusive economic growth.

“We appreciate you and there is ample opportunity for us to partner towards the development of the $130 billion global hydrogen market projected by the World Bank to grow at 9 per cent per annum,” he said.

On the potential in hydrogen development, Mr Shettima expressed optimism that if Nigeria gets its acts right, the entire African continent would equally get it right.

“Hydrogen has the potential of revolutionizing a lot of industries in Nigeria, including fertilizer production. The Federal Ministry of Science and Technology is ready to partner with authorities in Germany to drive the process towards developing the hydrogen market in Nigeria and beyond. Partnering to develop the hydrogen market in Nigeria will positively impact the rest of the African continent given its potentials and position.

“The potentials are here in Nigeria. When Nigeria gets its acts right, Africa will get it right too. You have a partner in Nigeria, In President Tinubu, you have a partner that you can trust.

“Leadership is about the ability to provide ideas to the problems of a nation,” he added.

Mr Shettima commended Germany for the commitment shown towards other countries in different areas.

The VP said, “Though not endowed with a lot of natural resources, Germany is blessed with the human capital that has made the country a global leader across diverse fields, including technology and devotion to ethics.”

On his part, Mr Mansmann said collaboration with Nigeria and institutions like the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) was crucial for achieving the goals outlined in Germany’s National Hydrogen Strategy.

“Nigeria is a very important partner for the global transformation of energy. If you want to fight climate change, it makes no sense if one country alone goes its own path.

“We need to come together with a lot of corporations in technology, science and human resources.”

He acknowledged Nigeria’s significant potential in the field of green energy, particularly hydrogen production.

“About 30 countries in Africa have the potential for green energy, especially hydrogen, and Nigeria is one of the most powerful countries in this field.”

Mr Mansmann also emphasised the role of universities in fostering innovation and nurturing future talent.

He added that Germany’s transition to carbon neutrality by 2045 requires a significant shift towards green energy imports.

“Germany will be an energy importing country for the next decades in huge amounts. Currently, we import 70 per cent of our energy in the form of fossils, and we want to get out of fossils by 2045.

“That means in 20 years all imported energy needs to be green. And we know there are great potentials in Africa and Nigeria,” he added.

Related Topics:$130bn global hydrogen market global hydrogen market

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Adedapo Adesanya

Adedapo Adesanya is a journalist, polymath, and connoisseur of everything art. When he is not writing, he has his nose buried in one of the many books or articles he has bookmarked or simply listening to good music with a bottle of beer or wine. He supports the greatest club in the world, Manchester United F.C.

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General

EFCC Arrests Ex-Skye Bank Chair Tunde Ayeni Over Alleged Diverted Loans

Published

29 minutes ago

25/04/2026

Modupe Gbadeyanka

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

The former chairman of the defunct Skye Bank Plc, Mr Tunde Ayeni, has been apprehended by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Spokesperson of the anti-money laundering agency, Mr Dele Oyewale, confirmed the arrest of the businessman on Friday but declined to provide further details, according to TheCable.

Mr Ayeni was accused of diverting the N36.5 billion and $30 million loans from Polaris Bank Limited to companies with which he has links.

He was alleged to have obtained the credit facilities for marine security, electricity distribution, and real estate projects, but moved them to telecom investments tied to NITEL/MTEL assets via a NATCOM account.

After the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) revoked the operating licence of Skye Bank in 2018, it nationalised it to Polaris Bank.

The EFCC has been looking into the alleged diversion of funds by Mr Ayeni, resulting in his arrest in Abuja on Thursday, April 23, 2026.

He is being grilled over the matter and would be arraigned in court once the investigation is concluded.

This is not the first time Mr Ayeni has been nabbed and probed by the EFCC, as this happened a few months after his bank lost its licence.

The then acting spokesman for the EFCC, Mr Tony Orilade, said Mr Ayeni was quizzed by detectives over issues related to fraud and embezzlement allegedly committed by him when he was Chairman of the bank a few years ago.

General

Customs, Police Commence Tighter Security at Ports to Protect Oil Trade

Published

7 hours ago

24/04/2026

Adedapo Adesanya

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Nigeria Police have begun securing the country’s maritime corridor as part of critical moves to safeguard oil and gas trade flows through the nation’s ports.

This follows a recent strategic engagement between the Ibeto Seaport and Terminals Command of Customs and the Eastern Port Police Command in Port Harcourt, where both agencies reaffirmed their commitment to joint operations.

Customs Area Controller, Mr Usman Yahaya, described inter-agency cooperation as essential to protecting critical economic infrastructure.

“This visit is timely and highly appreciated. It reflects the importance of sustained cooperation among agencies entrusted with the security of our nation and the protection of critical economic assets,” he said.

Mr Yahaya stressed that collaboration between Customs and Police remains central to maintaining order and preventing criminal activities within port environments.

“Customs and the Police share common responsibilities in safeguarding the port environment. Synergy remains the cornerstone for achieving our collective mandate,” he added.

He further assured continued support for the Police Command to enhance operational effectiveness.

“Customs Area Controller Usman Yahaya (sitting, right) and Commissioner of Police Shuaibu Audu (sitting, left) with other Customs and Police personnel

“We are fully committed to working with the new Commissioner of Police and giving all necessary support towards the successful discharge of his responsibilities.”

On his part, the Commissioner of Police, Eastern Port Command, Mr Shuaibu Audu, said the visit was aimed at strengthening existing ties between both agencies.

“My presence here today is to reinforce the cordial relationship between the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Customs Service. No organisation can function effectively in isolation,” he said.

Mr Audu emphasised the strategic importance of ports to Nigeria’s economy, particularly in the energy sector.

“Our ports are strategic national assets, and we must work together to keep them secure,” he stated. “Synergy among security agencies is essential to addressing emerging threats.”

General

FG Boosts Civil Servants’ Pay with New Allowance Review

Published

9 hours ago

24/04/2026

Adedapo Adesanya

By Adedapo Adesanya

The federal government has approved a sweeping increase in peculiar allowances and other welfare benefits for civil servants, aimed at improving take-home pay and boosting morale across the public service.

The announcement was made on Friday by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Walson-Jack, during a press briefing in Abuja, where she outlined key reforms endorsed by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

According to Mrs Walson-Jack, the review affects workers under both the Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure (CONPSS) and the Consolidated Research and Allied Institutions Salary Structure (CONRAISS), ensuring a broad-based impact across all cadres.

She said the revised peculiar allowances have been structured to reflect across all grade levels, resulting in a meaningful increase in earnings for both junior and senior officers.

In addition, the government approved an upward review of several key allowances, including duty tour allowance (DTA), estacode, and book allowance.

Mrs Walson-Jack noted that virtually all allowances listed under the Public Service Rules have now been revised.

A major highlight of the reform is the approval of 100 per cent Duty Tour Allowance for civil servants attending approved training programmes, regardless of whether travel is involved.

Beyond salary-related adjustments, the government also introduced a new exit benefit scheme for retiring civil servants under the Contributory Pension Scheme. The scheme provides 100 per cent of a retiree’s total annual emoluments as an exit package, in addition to their pension, effective January 1, 2026.

Mrs Walson-Jack described the move as a step toward ensuring dignity in retirement, stressing that no public servant should leave service without adequate financial support.

The government also confirmed the operationalisation of the Employee Compensation Scheme, designed to provide financial protection for workers who suffer job-related injuries or death.

The reforms come amid growing calls from labour unions for improved welfare, as rising living costs continue to put pressure on workers. Analysts say the combined measures could significantly enhance financial stability for civil servants and improve overall productivity in the public sector.