Petroleum ministry to focus on renewable energy, hydrogen development

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Ambassador Nicholas Agbo Ella says the ministry would focus on diversifying the energy mix by investing in renewable energy, hydrogen development with an enhanced regulatory framework to attract private investments.

Amb. Ella stated this at a town-hall meeting with the staff of the ministry Thursday in Abuja.

To actualize this, the Permanent Secretary stated that the ministry had taken significant steps in developing a hydrogen policy to diversify Nigeria’s energy mix and contribute to global efforts in reducing carbon emissions, adding that, the policy framework is aimed at establishing hydrogen as a viable alternative energy source, leveraging existing gas infrastructure to produce green hydrogen.

Ella implored members of staff of the Ministry to align their efforts with the relevant Presidential Priority directive to “Unlock energy and natural resources for sustainable development”.

“We must not be found wanting on our mandate as a Ministry in driving the President’s Vision and Mission of laying a sustainable foundation for a decent society”, he added.

Amb. Ella recalled that various initiatives and programmes like the “Decade of Gas” programme, National Gas Expansion Programme, (NGEP), AKK Gas Pipeline Project, and the OB3 Gas Pipeline Project among others, were all geared towards driving gas expansion to every nook and cranny of Nigeria and positioning Nigeria as a leading gas-powered economy.

With regard to the ongoing jostle for the hosting right of the African Energy Bank (AEB), Ella said Nigeria’s aspiration to host the bank has reached the advanced stages.

“We have held meetings and lobbying Member States of the African Petroleum Producers’ Organization (APPO). The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has directed us to ratify the establishment agreement and we are going to proceed on that”, he stated.

He further stated that he would be leveraging on his international exposure to put the Ministry on the path of unmatched progress.

Amb. Ella assured the staff the ministry would continue to prioritize their welfare through enhanced incentives while also placing premium on human capital development through training and retraining within the limits of available resources.

In her remarks at the event, the Director Human Resources Management, Mrs. Asma’u Shehu Adaji thanked the Permanent Secretary for creating time to interface with the staff.