Nigeria’s national grid recently collapsed again, plunging the country into darkness—a recurring issue lamented by President Bola Tinubu during German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s visit to Abuja. The World Bank estimates that such outages cost businesses $29 billion annually. With over 200 million citizens and a youthful demographic, the situation marks a monumental setback.
Despite being a gas-rich nation, Nigeria clings to oil with seemingly religious fervor, even as global energy trends shift towards cleaner sources. Hydrogen, particularly blue hydrogen derived from natural gas, abundant in Nigeria, stands out as a viable alternative.
In 2021, Germany approached Nigeria to discuss hydrogen production partnerships. Germany, with its advanced industrial sector, seeks energy assurances for its industries. Yet, Nigeria faces its own energy shortfall due to grid overloads and outdated infrastructure. Heavy industries like steel and cement exacerbate the strain on the grid.
Solutions may lie in diversifying energy sources and harnessing solar potential, particularly in Nigeria’s northern regions. This shift could alleviate the grid’s burden.
Nigeria’s energy woes seem self-imposed, surrounded by untapped resources. The country must reconsider its alliances, prioritizing internal industrial growth over partnerships that might hinder more than help. Moreover, Nigeria must tread carefully in its energy dealings, considering the historical and political complexities of its potential partners.
The push for renewable energy, such as solar and green hydrogen, offers a promising avenue for Nigeria. With abundant sunlight, investing in renewables could significantly reduce grid pressure. Addressing the electricity deficit could unleash a wave of productivity and innovation.
As reported by The Guardian, the focus should be on building a self-sustaining economy, reducing imports, creating jobs, and enhancing living standards. Nigeria’s renewable energy roadmap is a positive step, but it requires a robust, context-aware strategy prioritizing national interests over those of a privileged few.
Odunayo-Akinlaja, a sustainability analyst and writer, advocates for a prudent approach to Nigeria’s energy challenges, emphasizing the need for strategic, locally adapted solutions that harness the nation’s abundant resources.
