Nigeria and China have inked a landmark €7.6 billion agreement to develop green hydrogen energy, marking a significant step in Nigeria’s transition from fossil fuels to clean, renewable energy in line with global sustainability goals.
The agreement was finalized over the weekend in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, between the Federal Government, APPL Hydrogen Limited (AHL), and China’s LONGi Green Energy Technology Company Limited (LGETCL).
Chief Uche Nnaji, Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, signed on behalf of the federal government, while Idara Ekpo, Chief Visionary Officer of AHL, and Francois Cui, Vice President of LONGi-Europe, represented their respective companies.
The green hydrogen project will be situated in the Liberty Free Trade Zone (LFTZ) in Atabrikang, Ibeno Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State.
LONGi, a global leader in clean energy, and AHL, a Nigerian company focused on sustainable energy solutions, will collaborate to drive the project, as outlined in their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
During the signing ceremony, Minister Nnaji highlighted the project’s strategic importance in Nigeria’s journey toward renewable energy adoption, industrial development, and a technology-driven economic transformation.
“This project marks a significant step in Nigeria’s journey towards a sustainable energy future,” Nnaji said.
“As the global energy landscape shifts towards cleaner alternative, investments in green hydrogen, green methanol and green ammonium production place Nigeria at the forefront of green energy innovation,” he added.
The minister highlighted the numerous advantages of integrating science and technology into the energy sector, including driving industrial development, creating job opportunities, attracting foreign investment, and positioning Nigeria as a key player in the global energy market.
Nnaji emphasized that the AHL project is in line with national priorities, particularly in promoting a strong research and development ecosystem that fosters sustainable energy solutions.
He assured that the federal government would collaborate closely with the Akwa Ibom State government in driving investments and technological innovations to ensure the success of the project.
He also urged greater cooperation between public and private sector stakeholders to ensure the project’s successful implementation.
Alhaji Bamanga Usman Jada, Managing Director of the Oil and Gas Free Trade Zone Authority, praised the initiative as a vital step toward diversifying Nigeria’s economy, boosting exports, and addressing foreign exchange challenges.
“It will lead to technology transfer, create massive employment for our people; and it is environmentally friendly and sustainable,” Jada said.
Providing details about the project, Engr. Idara Ekpo, Chief Visionary Officer of APPL Hydrogen Limited, explained that his company is venturing into the green hydrogen initiative in response to the global shift towards sustainable energy solutions aimed at combating climate change.
“From green hydrogen, APPL Hydrogen will be producing green methanol which is one of its kind in the world. We will be producing 1.2 metric tons per year of green hydrogen derivatives which is going to be green methanol for export. From that green methanol, we will have medical oxygen and food grade carbon dioxide,” Ekpo said.
The company, he disclosed, was working alongside eleven other international companies on the project.
