Oil & Gas
By Anthony Isibor
THE Chief Executive Officer of AFRENTRA, Abdur Omidiya, has warned that Nigeria risks missing out on the rapidly expanding global hydrogen market if it delays investment in green hydrogen,
Speaking at the NOG 2026 strategic panel on hydrogen, Omidiya argued that Nigeria’s immediate priority should be developing green hydrogen rather than relying on natural gas to produce blue hydrogen.
He noted that although Nigeria has over 270 trillion cubic feet of gas reserves, domestic demand for gas for electricity generation, fertiliser production, LNG exports and regional pipeline projects means little gas will be available for hydrogen production.
According to him, renewable energy offers a more practical pathway for building a competitive hydrogen industry.
Omidiya said that Nigeria possesses significant untapped geothermal, solar and hydro resources that could supply the electricity required for large-scale green hydrogen production.
He also warned that West Africa is falling behind other African countries such as South Africa, Namibia, Egypt, Morocco and Kenya, which have already attracted major hydrogen investments.
“The market will not wait,” he cautioned, adding that investment flows to locations offering the strongest returns rather than to countries with the greatest potential.
He argued that while domestic demand for green hydrogen remains limited, export markets particularly for green ammonia and green fertiliser, present significant commercial opportunities as global carbon regulations tighten.
Drawing comparisons with companies that failed to adapt to technological change, Omidiya said Nigeria should act now to establish itself as West Africa’s hydrogen hub before competing countries capture the market.
He urged government to create a dedicated institution focused solely on hydrogen development, saying such a body would accelerate decision-making, improve coordination and send a strong signal to international investors.
A.I
July 10, 2026
Tags: Abdur Omidiya AFRENTRA NOG