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Nigeria's Green Hydrogen Pathway: A Strategic Framework for Climate Neutrality and Energy Security

K. O. Lawal S. O. Giwa I. K. Muritala J. Adighije

Subject area: Science,Engineering and Technology  ·  Area of research: Green Hydrogen

DOI: https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I4-1711491-9525

Abstract

Nigeria faces a dual challenge of energy poverty and the imperative to decarbonize its fossil fuel-dominated economy in alignment with its 2060 net-zero commitment. This paper explores the potential of Green Hydrogen (GH) as a cornerstone for a sustainable and secure energy future for Nigeria. Utilizing a comprehensive desk review methodology, we analyze Nigeria's abundant but underutilized renewable energy resources?solar, wind, and hydro?as a foundation for cost-competitive GH production. The study identifies significant barriers, including high capital expenditure, infrastructural deficits, and a nascent policy framework. Conversely, it highlights strategic opportunities in export markets, domestic decarbonization of hard-to-abate sectors, and local economic development through green ammonia and fertilizer production. We propose a multi-stakeholder pathway involving robust policy formulation, international collaboration, and substantial investment in research, development, and capacity building. The findings posit that a concerted national strategy towards a GH economy can simultaneously address Nigeria's energy trilemma: inequitable energy access, energy insecurity and environmental sustainability; foster industrial growth and solidify its role as a future leader in the global green energy market.

Keywords

Climate Neutrality, Green Hydrogen, Nigeria, Renewable Energy, Decarbonization

References

[1] IRENA. (2021a). Green Hydrogen: A guide to policy making. International Renewable Energy Agency.

[2] Federal Government of Nigeria. (2021). Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC). UNFCCC.

[3] K. O. Lawal, H. S. Miya, G. A. Bakare, and U.O. Aliyu (2024). “Load Frequency Control Strategy Using Hybrid Adaptive Particle Swarm-Spiral Dynamic Optimization Algorithm for Stand-alone Renewable Rural Network”. Nigerian Journal of Tropical Engineering (NJTE), Vol 18, 21 29 ISSN: 1595-5397, DOI: 10.59081/NJTE.18.1.003

[4] Ibrahim K. Murtala, Dortyya Guban, Martin Roeb and Christian Sattler (2019). High-Temperature Production of Hydrogen: Assessment of Non-renewable Resources Technologies and Emerging Trends. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy. Vol.25, pp26022-26035

[5] IEA. (2023a). Global Hydrogen Review 2023. International Energy Agency.

[6] Hydrogen Council. (2023). Hydrogen Insights 2023: A perspective on hydrogen investment, market development and cost competitiveness.\

[7] Bloomberg New Energy Finance, BNEF. (2023). Hydrogen Market Outlook: H2 2023. Bloomberg New Energy Finance.

[8] Agora Energiewende (2023). Training Material on the P2X and The Value Chain. Berlin

[9] IRENA. (2021b). A Pathway to Decarbonize the Shipping Sector by 2050. International Renewable Energy Agency.

[10] IEA. (2023b). Africa Energy Outlook 2023. International Energy Agency.

[11] Johnson, O. N., Ereh,R. E., Agboola, P.O., Okhirebu, D. I. (2025). The Role of Renewable Energies for Sustainable Energy Governance and Environmental Policies for the Mitigation of Climate Change in Nigeria. IIARD International Journal of Geography & Environmental Management. Vol. 11 No. 2 2025 E-ISSN 2504-8821 P-ISSN 2695-1878 www.iiardjournals.org Online Version.

[12] Oluwatoyin A. Somoye (2023). Energy Crisis and Renewable Energy Potentials in Nigeria: A Review, Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Volume 188, 113794, ISSN 1364-0321, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2023.113794.

[13] Olayinka S. Ohunakin, Olaolu O. Akinnawonu (2012). Assessment of Wind Energy Potential and the Economics of Wind Power Generation in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria, Energy for Sustainable Development, Volume 16, Issue 1, Pages 78-83, ISSN 0973-0826, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.esd.2011.10.004.

[14] K. O. Lawal, G. A. Bakare, and U. O. Aliyu (2022). “Intelligent Load-Frequency Control System for Micro-hydro Power System for Evboroho II Community, Edo State, Nigeria”. Nigerian Journal of Tropical Engineering (NJTE). Vol 16, 635-643 ISSN: 1595-5397.

[15] Remus Prăvălie, Cristian Patriche, Georgeta Bandoc (2019). Spatial Assessment of Solar Energy Potential at Global Scale. A Geographical Approach, Journal of Cleaner Production, Volume 209, Pages 692-721, ISSN 0959-6526, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2018.10.239. [Crossref]

[16] IRENA. (2020). Green Hydrogen Cost Reduction: Scaling up Electrolyzers to Meet the 1.5°C Climate Goal. International Renewable Energy Agency.

[17] Giwa, S. O., Kamran, P., Hale, H., (2012) The Effects Of Operating Parameters On Temperature And Electrode Dissolution In Electrocoagulation Treatment Of Petrochemical Wastewater, International Journal of Engineering Research & Technology (IJERT), 1(10) 968-976

[18] Giwa, S.O., Giwa, A., Toprol, H and Hapoglu, H. (2013). Effects of Operating Parameters on Electrode Dissolution and Energy Consumption during Electrocoagulation Treatment of Petroleum Refinery Wastewater International Journal of Engineering Research & Technology (IJERT), 2(8), 639-647.

[19] Lloyd’s Register. (2021). Zero Ready Framework: Ammonia as a Marine Fuel.

[20] Clean Hydrogen in New Jersey (2025). https://dep.nj.gov/hydrogen/hydrogen-energy/) [Crossref]

How to cite this paper

K. O. Lawal, S. O. Giwa, I. K. Muritala, J. Adighije "Nigeria's Green Hydrogen Pathway: A Strategic Framework for Climate Neutrality and Energy Security" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 9 Issue 4 2025 Page 1158-1162 https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I4-1711491-9525
K. O. Lawal, S. O. Giwa, I. K. Muritala, J. Adighije "Nigeria's Green Hydrogen Pathway: A Strategic Framework for Climate Neutrality and Energy Security" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, vol. 9, no. 4, Oct. 2025, doi: https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I4-1711491-9525
K. O. Lawal, S. O. Giwa, I. K. Muritala, J. Adighije (2025). Nigeria's Green Hydrogen Pathway: A Strategic Framework for Climate Neutrality and Energy Security. Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 9(4). doi: https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I4-1711491-9525
K. O. Lawal, S. O. Giwa, I. K. Muritala, J. Adighije "Nigeria's Green Hydrogen Pathway: A Strategic Framework for Climate Neutrality and Energy Security" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, vol. 9, no. 4, Oct. 2025. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I4-1711491-9525
@article{1711491,
      author = {K. O. Lawal, S. O. Giwa, I. K. Muritala, J. Adighije},
      title = {Nigeria's Green Hydrogen Pathway: A Strategic Framework for Climate Neutrality and Energy Security},
      journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
      year = {2025},
      volume = {9},
      number = {4},
      pages = {1158-1162},
      issn = {2456-8880},
      url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1711491.pdf},
      abstract = {Nigeria faces a dual challenge of energy poverty and the imperative to decarbonize its fossil fuel-dominated economy in alignment with its 2060 net-zero commitment. This paper explores the potential of Green Hydrogen (GH) as a cornerstone for a sustainable and secure energy future for Nigeria. Utilizing a comprehensive desk review methodology, we analyze Nigeria's abundant but underutilized renewable energy resources?solar, wind, and hydro?as a foundation for cost-competitive GH production. The study identifies significant barriers, including high capital expenditure, infrastructural deficits, and a nascent policy framework. Conversely, it highlights strategic opportunities in export markets, domestic decarbonization of hard-to-abate sectors, and local economic development through green ammonia and fertilizer production. We propose a multi-stakeholder pathway involving robust policy formulation, international collaboration, and substantial investment in research, development, and capacity building. The findings posit that a concerted national strategy towards a GH economy can simultaneously address Nigeria's energy trilemma: inequitable energy access, energy insecurity and environmental sustainability; foster industrial growth and solidify its role as a future leader in the global green energy market.},
      keywords = {Climate Neutrality, Green Hydrogen, Nigeria, Renewable Energy, Decarbonization},
      month = {October},
      doi = {https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I4-1711491-9525}
  }