Renewable energy sector can create 112 million jobs by 2030–Envoy

The German ambassador to Nigeria, Annett Gunther, says the renewable energy sector in Nigeria could create at least 112 million jobs by 2030. Ms Gunther said this in Abuja at a reception organised by the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology for a German delegation on green hydrogen. She said the sector had created jobs for at least 390,000 persons in Germany. Ms Gunther explained that the hydrogen sector is growing, stimulating economic growth and creating jobs “Hydrogen does not only seek to meet the climate change goals, it also seeks to feed the population in this part of the world. We are on the same page in this partnership on hydrogen and it will be in the interest of both countries,” she said. Till Mansmann, innovation commissioner for hydrogen in the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, Berlin, also said that the hydrogen project would contribute immensely to job creation in the country.

Mr Mansmann described Nigeria as a great partner with huge potential to contribute meaningfully to the project’s growth because of its large youth population, which Nigeria is blessed with. Also, Uche Nnaji, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, said the introduction of green hydrogen would help Nigeria tackle climate change-related issues, among others. “Hydrogen is basically a zero-carbon issue and, through the green hydrogen project, Nigeria will be able to have enough fertiliser to tackle food shortages. We will also be able to achieve the Paris Agreement on climate change 2030, and our involvement in the 2010 Paris Agreement will become a reality,” he said. Mr Nnaji, therefore, assured the German delegation that the Nigerian government was ready to support the project and ensure its success. Also speaking at the event, Abubakar Kyari, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, said that Nigeria would be able to tackle the challenges of food security with the introduction of green hydrogen.

“With this technology, fertiliser will be more accessible and available to farmers. There will also be food sufficiency,” he said. Also, Bello Muhammad Goroyo, the Minister of State for Water Resources and Sanitation, assured of the ministry’s support and commitment to the project’s success and to harnessing its potential for Nigeria’s benefit. Mr Goroyo said embracing green hydrogen would go a long way in addressing climate change issues, which is in line with President Bola Tinubu’s agenda on food sufficiency. “We are accessible. We want them to use our waters and dams to make sure we harness the potential for the betterment of all Nigerians,” he said.