FG moves for clean energy transition, targets 2060

The Federal Government has set 2060 as the target for Nigeria to build a power system driven largely by solar energy and storage, with green hydrogen expected to provide backup power and help reduce carbon emissions in heavy industries.

The Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, disclosed this at the second International Green Hydrogen Summit held at Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, on Friday.

Abdullahi, who was represented by Bolaji Sulu-Ibrahim, said Nigeria needs to accelerate investment in renewable energy technologies, scientific research, and local manufacturing to achieve the target.

Speaking on the theme, “Nigeria’s Pathway to Clean Energy: The Science, Policy and Industry Nexus,” the Director-General noted that the country possesses significant renewable energy resources but requires innovation and stronger collaboration among government, academia, and industry to harness them.

He noted that solar radiation in parts of the North-West, particularly Sokoto, Kebbi, and Zamfara states, ranges between 6.0 and 7.0 kilowatt-hours per square metre daily, presenting considerable opportunities for solar power generation.

Abdullahi added that Nigeria also has vast hydropower resources, wind potential in parts of the North, and abundant biomass, yet its installed renewable energy capacity stood at about 2,638 megawatts in 2024.

He said the gap between the country’s renewable energy potential and its existing capacity underscores the urgent need for investment in research, technology development, and infrastructure.

He disclosed that the commission is implementing a solarisation programme for public facilities, particularly in the health and education sectors, while its six energy research centres across the geopolitical zones are expected to strengthen research and innovation.

The DG, however, identified dependence on imported solar modules, inverters, and batteries, inadequate grid infrastructure, shortages of skilled personnel, substandard equipment, and limited access to finance as major challenges confronting the sector.

He stressed the need for local manufacturing, improved grid integration, quality standards, and innovative financing models, stating that addressing these challenges will require more than laboratory inventions.

On green hydrogen, Abdullahi explained that electricity accounts for between 60 and 80 per cent of its production cost, making affordable renewable energy crucial to the commercial viability of the emerging technology.

He added that about 1,583 megawatts of underutilised hydropower capacity could complement variable solar generation and support the development of green hydrogen.

Abdullahi also called for the accelerated approval of the draft National Hydrogen Policy, the establishment of a National Hydrogen Council, and the development of a national framework for hydrogen research, capacity building, and education.

The Chief Executive Officer of CrossAfrique Hydrogen Limited, Netherlands, Joshua Dauda, said collaboration among universities, industries, and international partners is crucial to developing Nigeria’s clean energy sector.

Dauda noted that the company is working with industrial partners and the German development agency, GIZ, to establish a Green Energy Hub at ABUAD, beginning with a solar photovoltaic system to power the university and a hydrogen classroom for research and demonstration.

He described the proposed project as a potential first-of-its-kind initiative in Nigeria, adding that it will support training for researchers, lecturers, and other professionals in hydrogen technology.

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He added that the initiative will also promote curriculum development and knowledge-sharing, enabling other universities and institutions to replicate the model.

Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of ABUAD, Prof. E. Smaranda Olarinde, called for stronger partnerships among government, academia, and industry to translate scientific research into practical clean energy solutions.

Olarinde stated that the transition requires sustained investment in research, effective policies, industrial innovation, and the development of skilled personnel.

She urged participants to ensure that the summit produces practical solutions and lasting partnerships capable of advancing Nigeria’s clean energy ambitions.