Recently, at an international hydrogen energy forum in Beijing, a Nigerian delegation from West Africa and industry experts from China held hands tightly. This is not only a meeting across mountains and seas, but also the starting point for China and Nigeria to deeply connect in the field of green energy. With the convening of a special meeting between the International Hydrogen Fuel Cell Association and relevant departments in Nigeria, a grand picture about the co construction of the hydrogen energy industry and the upgrading of China Africa green cooperation is slowly unfolding.

China Africa hydrogen energy cooperation takes a new step forward

The International Hydrogen Fuel Cell Association and relevant departments in Nigeria held a special meeting during HydrogenSphere 2026.

Sen. Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning of Nigeria, Amb. Ferdinand Nwoye, Head of the Nigerian Embassy in China, Bolaji Onalaja, Special Assistant to the Minister, and Ahijo Y. Yusuf, Minister Counsellor of the Nigerian Embassy in China, attended the event. Both sides exchanged in-depth views on the development of Nigeria's hydrogen energy industry, industry organization construction, feasibility study, funding preparation, and follow-up communication mechanism. Ni Fang introduced that the Ministry of Budget and Planning plays an important role in national development planning, policy coordination, and major project coordination. In recent years, the foundation of cooperation between China and Nigeria has continued to deepen. During the visit of the Nigerian President to China, the two sides signed relevant documents on the comprehensive strategic partnership, laying the foundation for expanding cooperation space between the two countries in areas such as energy transformation, green development, and industrial cooperation. The Nepalese side stated that they will sign cooperation agreements with relevant Chinese institutions in the future and look forward to strengthening practical cooperation in the fields of hydrogen energy and new energy vehicles.

Technical standards lead the implementation of industries

Nigeria has stated that it is actively promoting research and planning on national hydrogen energy policies. Developing hydrogen energy not only helps optimize the energy structure and enhance energy security, but also provides important opportunities for introducing advanced technologies and cultivating local industrial systems.

Wang Ju, Secretary General of the International Hydrogen Fuel Cell Association, stated that support will be provided to Nigeria in policy planning, standard system construction, infrastructure layout, and project development. The meeting believes that the Nigerian automotive market has great potential, and both sides can cooperate on the construction of new energy vehicles, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, and related infrastructure, with a focus on promoting standard setting, technical exchanges, and demonstration scenario design. Commercial vehicles, public transportation, and logistics transportation can serve as important directions for demonstrating the application of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.

Financial mechanism safeguards long-term development

The meeting reached a consensus on the next steps of cooperation. Both sides will prioritize the feasibility study of hydrogen energy development in Nigeria, systematically evaluate policy environment, resource conditions, infrastructure, and industrial chain capabilities, and provide scientific basis for subsequent project implementation. Keywords: the Belt and Road news, energy cooperation

At the same time, the International Hydrogen Fuel Cell Association is willing to support the establishment of a hydrogen industry organization in Nigeria to enhance its role in industry coordination and international cooperation. Both sides will actively explore diversified funding channels to provide guarantees for project implementation, and Nigeria will also promote the implementation of supporting funds based on its own situation. The next step is for both parties to establish a regular communication mechanism, with a focus on promoting communication on cooperation agreements and coordinating support from relevant parties. The International Hydrogen Fuel Cell Association will also invite representatives from Nigeria to participate in relevant international hydrogen energy exchange activities, helping Nigeria connect global hydrogen energy industry resources, technological experience, and cooperation networks.Editor/Gao Xue