Nigeria Takes Green Leap as Tinubu Opens Africa's First Renewable Energy College

Nigeria has taken another major step toward becoming a continental leader in clean energy following the commissioning of Africa's first Renewable Energy College and a Green Hydrogen Plant in Kogi State by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The twin projects are expected to position Nigeria at the forefront of Africa's transition to sustainable energy while equipping thousands of young Nigerians with technical skills needed for the rapidly growing global green economy.

Speaking during the commissioning, President Tinubu described the projects as strategic investments that will strengthen Nigeria's energy security, create jobs, attract foreign investment, and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

The Renewable Energy College is designed to serve as a specialized institution for training engineers, technicians, researchers, and entrepreneurs in renewable energy technologies. Students will receive practical and theoretical education in solar power, wind energy, hydroelectric systems, battery storage, electric vehicles, smart grids, and green hydrogen technologies.

The institution is also expected to collaborate with industry partners, research organizations, and international clean energy institutions to develop innovations tailored to Africa's energy challenges.

Alongside the college, the Green Hydrogen Plant represents one of Nigeria's most ambitious clean-energy investments.

What is Green Hydrogen?

Green hydrogen is hydrogen gas produced by splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen using electricity generated entirely from renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, or hydropower.

Unlike conventional hydrogen production—which relies on natural gas and releases significant amounts of carbon dioxide—green hydrogen produces virtually no greenhouse gas emissions during production.

Because of this, it is regarded as one of the cleanest fuels available and is expected to play a major role in achieving global net-zero carbon emissions.

How Does a Green Hydrogen Plant Work?

The process is relatively straightforward

Step 1: Renewable Electricity Generation

Solar panels, wind turbines, or hydropower stations generate clean electricity.

Step 2: Water Supply

Purified water is supplied to an electrolyzer.

Step 3: Electrolysis

The electrolyzer uses electricity to split water (H₂O) into:

• Hydrogen (H₂)

• Oxygen (O₂)

The oxygen can be released safely or captured for industrial and medical applications.

Step 4: Hydrogen Storage

The hydrogen gas is compressed and stored in tanks or pipelines.

Step 5: End Use

The hydrogen can then be used to:

• Generate electricity

• Power fuel-cell vehicles

• Produce fertilizers (ammonia)

• Manufacture steel

• Fuel ships and aircraft

• Store renewable energy for later use 

• why Green Hydrogen Matters

Green hydrogen solves one of renewable energy's biggest challenges: storage.

Solar panels only produce electricity when the sun shines, and wind turbines generate power only when the wind blows.

Hydrogen allows excess renewable electricity to be stored for weeks or even months and then converted back into electricity whenever needed.

This makes renewable energy more reliable.

Economic Benefits for Nigeria

Experts believe the Kogi project could unlock significant opportunities, including:

• Creating thousands of skilled and unskilled jobs.

• Reducing Nigeria's dependence on imported industrial fuels.

• Supporting local manufacturing with cleaner energy.

• Attracting international climate finance and green investment.

• Developing a new export industry as demand for green hydrogen grows worldwide.

• Encouraging local production of solar panels, electrolyzers, batteries, and other clean-energy equipment.

• Building technical expertise that could make Nigeria a regional hub for renewable-energy innovation.

• Potential Challenges

Despite its promise, green hydrogen technology remains expensive compared with conventional hydrogen. Key challenges include:

• High upfront costs for electrolyzers and renewable-energy infrastructure.

• The need for reliable renewable electricity.

• Water availability and purification requirements.

• Transport and storage infrastructure.

• Developing domestic demand and export markets.

However, costs have been falling steadily as renewable energy becomes cheaper and electrolyzer technology improves.

A Strategic Shift

The commissioning of both the Renewable Energy College and the Green Hydrogen Plant signals Nigeria's intention to diversify beyond oil and gas while preparing its workforce for the industries of the future.

If supported by consistent policies, investment, and infrastructure, these projects could help position Nigeria as one of Africa's leading clean-energy economies, strengthening energy security, creating high-value jobs, and opening new opportunities in the global low-carbon market.

Bahrain Presses Iran to Comply with UN Resolutions, End Hostilities

Bahrain has called on Iran to immediately halt what it described as "terrorist" attacks carried out directly or through Tehran-backed proxy groups, warning that continued hostilities threaten peace and stability across the Middle East.

Speaking before the United Nations Security Council on Wednesday during a session focused on the global threat posed by the terrorist group Daesh (ISIS), Bahrain's Permanent Representative to the UN, Jamal Alrowaiei, urged Tehran to comply fully with international obligations and respect the sovereignty of neighbouring states.

Alrowaiei said Bahrain "renews the need for Iran to implement and fully abide by relevant Security Council resolutions and to halt hostilities that undermine the security and stability of the region, while respecting the sovereignty of countries and abiding by principles of good neighbourliness."

His remarks reflect growing concerns among Gulf nations over Iran's regional influence through armed groups operating in countries including Iraq, Syria, Lebanon and Yemen. Bahrain has long accused Tehran of supporting militant organizations and interfering in the internal affairs of Arab states—claims Iran has consistently denied.

The Security Council meeting came amid renewed international concern over the evolving threat posed by Daesh. A report presented by UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned that despite suffering major territorial defeats in Iraq and Syria, the extremist organization remains a dangerous global security threat.

According to the report, Daesh continues to adapt by relying on decentralized networks, online recruitment, encrypted communications and regional affiliates operating across the Middle East, Africa and Asia. The report warned that the group retains the ability to inspire or direct attacks even without controlling significant territory.

The UN also expressed concern over the growing activities of Daesh affiliates in parts of Africa, particularly the Sahel and West Africa, where insurgent groups have expanded their operations and intensified attacks on civilians, security forces and humanitarian workers. The report noted that instability, weak governance and humanitarian crises continue to create conditions that extremist organizations exploit.

During the Security Council session, member states stressed that combating terrorism requires stronger international cooperation, intelligence sharing, disruption of terrorist financing and efforts to counter extremist ideology. Several delegations also emphasized that regional conflicts and geopolitical rivalries should not create opportunities for terrorist groups to regroup.

Bahrain argued that lasting regional security depends on all states respecting international law and refraining from supporting armed non-state actors that destabilize neighbouring countries. The kingdom reiterated its commitment to working with international partners to combat terrorism and strengthen collective security.

Iran has repeatedly rejected accusations that it sponsors terrorism, insisting that it supports what it describes as "resistance movements" opposing foreign occupation and extremist groups. Tehran has also argued that its regional partnerships contribute to fighting terrorism rather than promoting instability.

The exchange highlights continuing tensions between Iran and several Gulf Arab states, even as diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing regional friction continue. Analysts say accusations over proxy warfare remain one of the most significant obstacles to building lasting security and trust in the Gulf region.

The Security Council is expected to continue monitoring both the evolving threat from Daesh and broader regional security challenges, with member states calling for greater cooperation to prevent terrorism while encouraging diplomatic solutions to regional disputes.