Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), Dr. Mustafa Abdullahi, has disclosed that Nigeria is making significant progress towards establishing a national hydrogen economy, with the Federal Government currently developing the country’s first National Hydrogen Policy to position Nigeria as a competitive player in the global clean energy market.
Speaking during a panel session on “Advancing the Hydrogen Economy: A Trusted Pathway for Energy Transition” at NOG Energy Week 2026 in Abuja, Dr. Abdullahi said hydrogen should no longer be viewed as a future technology but as a present-day economic opportunity that Nigeria must embrace.
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He noted that countries including Namibia, Morocco, and Egypt have already attracted substantial investments in hydrogen development, stressing that Nigeria cannot afford to be left behind in the rapidly evolving global energy landscape.
According to him, hydrogen was formally recognised in Nigeria’s National Energy Policy and National Energy Master Plan, approved in 2023, where it was identified as one of the country’s future energy pathways.
Building on that foundation, he revealed that the Federal Government constituted a National Hydrogen Policy Committee to develop a comprehensive policy framework for the sector. The committee has since completed a zero draft of the National Hydrogen Policy, which has been submitted through the Ministry of Budget and National Planning and is awaiting further government approval.
Dr. Abdullahi explained that while Nigeria is yet to approve a formal hydrogen policy, the progress made so far represents a major milestone in laying the foundation for a sustainable hydrogen economy.
He disclosed that before the harmonisation process initiated by the Federal Government, the Energy Commission of Nigeria had already developed its own hydrogen policy framework. However, government later directed all relevant ministries, departments, and agencies to work together on a single national policy that would provide a unified roadmap for hydrogen development.
Expressing optimism about the process, he said the policy is expected to receive the necessary approvals after completing the remaining stages of government review.
Highlighting Nigeria’s strategic advantages, Dr. Abdullahi said the country’s abundant natural gas reserves, significant renewable energy resources, and high solar intensity provide a strong platform for developing a competitive hydrogen industry capable of supporting both domestic energy needs and future export opportunities.
Addressing the ongoing debate over whether Nigeria should prioritise blue hydrogen or green hydrogen, he cautioned against making that decision prematurely.
According to him, the country’s immediate priority should be establishing a comprehensive policy and regulatory framework that accommodates all hydrogen production pathways. Decisions on specific production routes, he noted, should ultimately be driven by economics, available feedstocks, technological advancement, and evolving market realities.
Dr. Abdullahi also revealed that Nigeria has commenced work on its first green hydrogen pilot project through the Energy Commission of Nigeria.
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He said funding for the project was secured in 2024, while supporting infrastructure, including pipelines, solar systems, grid connections, and technical studies, has already been completed. The procurement and installation of the electrolyser remains the final major component before the pilot plant becomes operational.
He expressed confidence that the project would significantly strengthen local technical capacity, support research and innovation, and serve as a catalyst for the commercial development of Nigeria’s hydrogen economy.
With policy development advancing alongside pilot projects, Dr. Abdullahi said Nigeria is steadily laying the foundation for a hydrogen industry capable of supporting the country’s long-term energy transition, industrial growth, and global competitiveness.
