Nigeria’s Govt Backs ISCC Certification for $7.9B Hydrogen Polis Project

When Dr Robert Ngwu, Special Adviser to the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology signed a statement on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, the Federal Government of Nigeria reaffirmed its backing for the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) of the Hydrogen Polis venture.

The announcement came out of Abuja and was co‑signed by Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology. It marks a watershed moment for Africa’s low‑carbon transition, putting a €7.9 billion private initiative on the global sustainability map.

Background: Nigeria’s Green Energy Roadmap

Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Renewed Hope Agenda has placed clean energy at the centre of national development. The agenda calls for “industrial growth and climate responsibility … hand in hand,” a line that echoes throughout recent policy documents.

Earlier this year, the ministry launched a $2.3 billion grant scheme to attract renewable‑fuel projects. The goal? To diversify away from oil, slash the nation’s carbon intensity, and generate jobs for a youthful workforce. The Hydrogen Polis project, spearheaded by Alternative Petroleum and Power Limited (APPL), fits squarely within that vision.

What Is the Hydrogen Polis Project?

APPL’s Hydrogen Polis is no ordinary plant. It will be the first Renewable Fuels of Non‑Biological Origin (RFNBO) methanol facility on the continent and, if all goes to plan, could become the world’s largest of its kind when it’s fully operational in 2028.

The plant will convert green hydrogen—produced via electrolysis powered by solar and wind—into methanol, a drop‑in fuel compatible with existing engines and infrastructure. Analysts estimate the facility could churn out up to 2 million tonnes of low‑carbon methanol per year, enough to power roughly 20 million passenger‑vehicle equivalents.

Economically, the project promises to create 4,500 direct jobs during construction and 1,200 permanent positions once running. For a country where unemployment hovers around 33 %, that’s a concrete boost.

Certification Journey: From Copenhagen to Abuja

The ISCC certification process began in earnest last summer when APPL engaged Baltic Control Certification in Denmark. The Danish firm, led by Maja Henriksen, Head of Sustainability and Green Energy, conducted a rigorous audit against ISCC EU standards.

On Monday, March 24, 2025, a formal signing ceremony was held at the DFDS headquarters in Copenhagen. Representatives from APPL, the Nigerian ministry, and several European investors witnessed the contract, which formally enrolled the project into the ISCC system.

The certification covers three crucial pillars: RFNBO sustainability criteria, greenhouse‑gas (GHG) accounting, and traceability across the entire supply chain. In lay terms, it guarantees that every kilogram of methanol can be tracked back to renewable electricity generated without causing extra emissions.

Government Reaction: More Than a Piece of Paper

Minister Nnaji described the ISCC badge as “more than a celebration of certification – it is a powerful symbol of what is possible when African‑led innovation meets global cooperation.” He stressed that the milestone aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda’s ambition to make Nigeria a “beacon for Africa.”

During a press briefing, the minister added, “The onboarding of the Hydrogen Polis project into ISCC Green Certification strengthens Africa’s position in the global green economy and affirms our leadership in climate‑conscious industrial innovation.” He went on to promise “regulatory support, an enabling environment, and policy alignment” to keep the project on track.

In a sidebar, officials from the Ministry of Environment hinted that the certification could unlock additional financing from the World Bank’s Climate Investment Funds, which often require third‑party verification before releasing capital.

Implications: Africa, the Global Market, and the Climate

If the plant reaches its 2 million‑tonne target, it could supply up to 30 % of Africa’s projected low‑carbon fuel demand by 2035. That would dramatically reduce the continent’s reliance on imported fossil fuels and cut annual GHG emissions by an estimated 5 million tonnes of CO₂‑equivalent.

Internationally, the project positions Nigeria as a potential exporter of green methanol to Europe, where the EU’s Renewable Energy Directive has created a surge in demand for sustainable fuels for shipping and aviation. Shipping analysts forecast that green methanol could command a premium of $0.30 per kilogram over conventional methanol by 2030.

From a geopolitical angle, the certification signals to investors that Africa can meet stringent European sustainability standards, paving the way for more cross‑border green‑energy deals.

Next Steps: Timeline and What to Watch

• June 2025 – Completion of the pilot electrolyser unit (250 MW) on the APPL site.
• December 2025 – First commercial methanol shipment to the Netherlands for testing in a maritime fuel trial.
• 2026‑2027 – Scale‑up phases adding two additional 500 MW electrolyser blocks.
• Early 2028 – Full‑capacity operation and ramp‑up of export logistics.

Stakeholders will be watching regulatory developments closely, especially any new carbon‑pricing mechanisms announced by the Nigerian Senate later this year.