The Federal Government says it is focused on diversifying the energy mix by investing in renewable energy projects, hydrogen development and enhancing the regulatory framework to attract private investments.

Amb. Nicholas Ella, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, made this during a Town Hall Meeting with the management and members of staff of the ministry on Thursday in Abuja.

BRANDPOWER reports that the meeting was organised to brainstorm on the sustainable development of the oil and gas sector, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration.

Ella said the Ministry had taken significant steps in developing a hydrogen policy to diversify Nigeria’s energy mix and contribute to global efforts in reducing carbon emissions.

“This policy framework is aimed at establishing hydrogen as a viable alternative energy source and leveraging our existing gas infrastructure to produce green hydrogen,” he said.

Ella said that based on priority areas of the government, the cardinal objective of the engagement was to align their efforts with the presidential directive issued in January 2024, to “unlock the energy sector and natural resources for sustainable development.’’

“To understand the enormity and urgency of the tasks before us, we have to appreciate the vast energy needs of Nigerians – to power homes and industries.”

However, he appealed to all members of staff of the Ministry to brace up for the huge responsibilities placed on their shoulders as civil servants, to drive and sustain development in any society.

On gas infrastructure, Ella said the President placed high premium on gas infrastructure development and supply, and had demonstrated this with the launch of the “Decade of Gas” programme and ensuring expansion in supply through the National Gas Expansion Programme.

“Under the “Decade of Gas” initiative, we significantly expanded gas infrastructure, including the AKK Gas Pipeline Project, the OB3 Gas Pipeline Project and the ANOH project being undertaken by the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.)

“These projects are geared towards ensuring an efficient and widespread distribution of gas aimed at positioning Nigeria as a leading gas-powered economy,’’ he said.

The Permanent Secretary said it would ensure the full implementation of the Enterprise Content Management (ECM) by filling documents digitally, providing easy access to data and information, and storing them in line with legal requirements.

On discipline, the Ella warned that there would be zero tolerance for indiscipline, adding that every member of staff of the Ministry must live above board and act in accordance with service rules.

He assured the workers that their welfare and allowances would be prioritised, expressing gratitude for two amiable Ministers of State who are committed to the welfare of workers.

“We must justify that favourable disposition by giving it all our best.

“I am committed to the training and retraining of all staff within the limits of available resources. Our objective is to utilise credible training institutions to improve quality of training.

“Recognising the importance of human capital, the Ministry is partnering with educational institutions like the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) and the Public Service Institute of Nigeria, to provide training and skill development for our staff.

“The Ministry will implement a robust performance management system, setting clear Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to ensure accountability, transparency and effective service delivery, aligning with the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP) 2025,’’ he said.

He assured to put the ministry on the path of unmatched progress as it began to lobby to host the Africa Energy Bank (AEB).

“Nigeria will be a regional industrial hub and a key player in the African energy sector through collaborative efforts and comprehensive roadmaps.

“In line with my mandate under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), we are set to commence the process of implementing the Ministry of Petroleum Incorporated (MOPI), having obtained the legal opinion of the Ministry of Justice to that effect.

“The ministry initiated programmes to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the oil and gas sector.

“AI will be utilised to optimise exploration and production processes, enhance predictive maintenance of equipment and improve decision-making through data analytics.

“By adopting AI technologies, we aim to increase operational efficiency, reduce costs and minimise environmental impact, thereby positioning Nigeria’s oil and gas sector at the forefront of innovation.

“Committees were established to oversee these initiatives and ensure their successful implementation,’’ the permanent secretary said.

Earlier in her remarks, Mrs Asma’u Adaji, Director, Human Resources Management, while thanking the permanent secretary for the engagement, said it was a maiden edition since the permanent secretary assumed office.

NAN recalls that upon his resumption in February 2024, the permanent secretary had met with heads of departments and agencies under the ministry.