The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Ambassador Nicholas Agbo Ella, has announced the Ministry’s strategic focus on diversifying Nigeria’s energy mix by investing in renewable energy and hydrogen development.
Speaking at a town hall meeting with staff in Abuja on Thursday, June 27, 2024, Amb. Ella emphasized the importance of an enhanced regulatory framework to attract private investments in these sectors.
To actualize these goals, Amb. Ella highlighted the Ministry’s significant strides in developing a hydrogen policy aimed at diversifying Nigeria’s energy mix and contributing to global efforts to reduce carbon emissions.
According to him, the policy framework is designed to establish hydrogen as a viable alternative energy source, leveraging the country’s existing gas infrastructure to produce green hydrogen.
Ella urged Ministry staff to align their efforts with the Presidential Priority directive to “Unlock energy and natural resources for sustainable development.”
He called on civil servants to embrace the responsibilities placed on them, emphasizing the need to act under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu‘s vision to set Nigeria on a path of growth and sustainable development.
“We must not be found wanting on our mandate as a Ministry in driving the President’s Vision and Mission of laying a sustainable foundation for a decent society,” Amb. Ella added.
The Permanent Secretary recalled various initiatives aimed at expanding gas infrastructure, such as the “Decade of Gas” programme, the National Gas Expansion Programme (NGEP), the AKK Gas Pipeline Project, and the OB3 Gas Pipeline Project.
”These initiatives are designed to drive gas expansion across Nigeria and position the country as a leading gas-powered economy,” he stated.
Regarding Nigeria’s bid to host the African Energy Bank, Ella stated that the country’s aspiration has reached advanced stages.
He mentioned that the Ministry has been actively lobbying the Member States of the African Petroleum Producers Organization and that the Federal Executive Council has directed the ratification of the establishment agreement.
Amb. Ella assured staff that the Ministry would continue to prioritize their welfare through enhanced incentives and human capital development via training and retraining.
He highlighted the Ministry’s commitment to leveraging innovations and technology, including Artificial Intelligence and Enterprise Content Management, to achieve its objectives.
The Permanent Secretary informed attendees that arrangements are underway to commence the implementation of the Ministry of Petroleum Incorporated, in line with the mandate under the Petroleum Industry Act.
The high point of the meeting was an interactive session where Amb. Ella fielded questions from the staff. Resource persons also delivered presentations on ‘How to Thrive in Recession’ and ‘Transform Your Workplace Health.’
In her remarks, the Director of Human Resources Management, Mrs. Asma’u Shehu Adaji, thanked the Permanent Secretary for taking the time to engage with the staff.
