Green Hydrogen: FG Pledges Support As APPL, LONGi Seal €7.6bn Deal

UYO – APPL Hydrogen Limited (AHL) and LONGi Green Energy Technology Company Limited, at the weekend, formalised a €7.6 billion agreement to develop a green hydrogen project in Akwa Ibom State. 

The initiative, set to be located at the Liberty Free Trade Zone in Atabrikang, Ibeno Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, aligns with Nigeria’s commitment to green energy transition and sustainable energy solutions. 

Representing APPL Hydrogen at the signing was its Chief Visionary Officer, Engr. Idara Ekpo, while Francois Cui, Vice President of LONGi – Europe, led the Chinese delegation. 

Other members of the LONGi team included Monica Ping, Technical Director for Europe; Jim Huang, General Manager for Europe; and Arinze Onyeabo, Business Development Director for West Africa and Technical Manager for Europe. 

Speaking on behalf of the Federal Government, Chief Uche Nnaji, Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to renewable energy 

Nnaji who was accompanied by the Director General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, Mustapha Abdullahi, emphasized that the project aligns with Nigeria’s vision for energy transition, industrial growth, and technological innovation. 

He highlighted the global shift towards cleaner energy alternatives and described green hydrogen, methanol, and ammonia production as critical components for Nigeria’s emerging green economy. 

In his words “This investment positions Nigeria at the forefront of green energy innovation, driving industrial development, job creation, and foreign direct investment while reinforcing our global energy market presence.” 

While calling for synergy between public and private sector stakeholders to enable the project achieve the desired success, the Minister further assured that the Federal Government would collaborate with the Akwa Ibom State Government to support investment and technological advancements essential for the project’s success. 

Highlighting the economic and environmental impacts of the project, Managing Director of the Oil and Gas Free Trade Zone Authority, 

Alhaji Bamanga Usman Jada declared the project as a game-changer for Nigeria’s economy.