Ministry of Petroleum Resources to diversify energy mix with focus on renewables, hydrogen

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The Ministry of Petroleum Resources has disclosed its strategic focus on diversifying Nigeria’s energy mix by investing in renewable energy and hydrogen development.

Speaking at a town hall meeting with staff in Abuja on Thursday, June 27, 2024, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Ambassador Nicholas Agbo Ella, said this is needed to provide an enhanced regulatory framework to attract private investments in these sectors.

Amb. Ella highlighted the Ministry’s significant strides in developing a hydrogen policy aimed at diversifying Nigeria’s energy mix and contributing to global efforts to reduce carbon emissions.

The policy framework is designed to establish hydrogen as a viable alternative energy source, leveraging the country’s existing gas infrastructure to produce green hydrogen, he said.

Ella urged Ministry staff to align their efforts with the Presidential Priority directive to “unlock energy and natural resources for sustainable development.”

He asked civil servants to embrace the responsibilities placed on them, emphasizing the need to act under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu‘s vision to set Nigeria on a path of growth and sustainable development.

According to him, “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.”

The Permanent Secretary highlighted various initiatives, such as the “Decade of Gas” programme, the National Gas Expansion Programme (NGEP), the AKK Gas Pipeline Project, and the OB3 Gas Pipeline Project to develop the nation’s gas sector.

He said, ”These initiatives are designed to drive gas expansion across Nigeria and position the country as a leading gas-powered economy.”

Ella said the country’s preparations to host African Energy Bank have reached advanced stages.

He disclosed that the Ministry has been actively lobbying the Member States of the African Petroleum Producers Organization and that the Federal Executive Council has directed the ratification of the establishment agreement.

He assured staff that the Ministry would continue to prioritize their welfare through enhanced incentives and human capital development via training and retraining.

He highlighted the Ministry’s commitment to leveraging innovations and technology, including Artificial Intelligence and Enterprise Content Management, to achieve its objectives.

The Permanent Secretary informed attendees that arrangements are underway to commence the implementation of the Ministry of Petroleum Incorporated, in line with the mandate under the Petroleum Industry Act.

The high point of the meeting was an interactive session where Amb. Ella fielded questions from the staff. Resource persons also delivered presentations on ‘How to Thrive in Recession’ and ‘Transform Your Workplace Health.’

In her remarks, the Director of Human Resources Management, Mrs. Asma’u Shehu Adaji, thanked the Permanent Secretary for taking the time to engage with the staff.