According to a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima spoke yesterday when he received on a courtesy visit to the Presidential Villa, a German delegation led by a member of German Parliament and Hydrogen Commissioner, Federal Ministry of Education and Research, Mr Till Mansmann.
Underscoring the importance of strong partnership between Nigeria and Germany, the Vice President said, “We cannot run away from the fact that sooner than later we have to do away with fossil fuels and resort to green energy for a sustainable world and an inclusive economic growth.
“We appreciate you and there is ample opportunity for us to partner towards the development of the 130 billion-dollars global hydrogen market projected by the World Bank to grow at 9% per annum,” he said.
On the potentials in hydrogen development, VP Shettima expressed optimism that if Nigeria gets its acts right, the entire African continent will equally get it right.
He noted: “Hydrogen has the potential of revolutionizing a lot of industries in Nigeria, including fertilizer production. The Federal Ministry of Science and Technology is ready to partner with authorities in Germany to drive the process towards developing the hydrogen market in Nigeria and beyond.
“Partnering to develop the hydrogen market in Nigeria will positively impact the rest of the African continent given its potentials and position. The potentials are here in Nigeria.
“When Nigeria gets its acts right, Africa will get it right too. You have a partner in Nigeria, in President Tinubu, you have a partner that you can trust. Leadership is about the ability to provide ideas to the problems of a nation,” he added.
The VP commended Germany for the sacrifice and empathy the European country has shown towards other countries in different areas, noting that “though not endowed with a lot of natural resources, Germany is blessed with the human capital that has made the country a global leader across diverse fields, including technology and devotion to ethics.”
Earlier, Head of the German Delegation/Member of German Parliament and Hydrogen Commissioner, Mansmann, said collaboration with Nigeria and institutions like the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) is crucial for achieving the goals outlined in Germany’s National Hydrogen Strategy.
He said, “Nigeria is a very important partner for the global transformation of energy. If you want to fight climate change, it makes no sense if one country alone goes its own pathway. We need to come together in a lot of cooperations in technology, science and human resources.”
