Abstract

The global push for net-zero emissions has positioned green hydrogen and other low-carbon fuels as critical solutions for decarbonizing hard-to-abate industrial sector. This study examines the role of government policies and the potential of these fuels in shaping Nigeria's energy future and industrial decarbonization. Using a mixed-methods approach, including a survey of 147 staff from the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) and inferential statistics, the research assesses perceptions of economic viability, infrastructural readiness, and necessary partnerships. While statistical analysis (p < 0.05) confirms that green hydrogen can significantly contribute to emission reductions, the findings reveal significant skepticism among stakeholders regarding its current economic viability (67.35% disagreement) and Nigeria's renewable energy capacity to support competitive production (63.26% disagreement). However, there is a strong consensus (78.87% agreement) on the indispensability of international partnerships. The study concludes that despite its potential, the development of a green hydrogen economy in Nigeria is hindered by high costs, infrastructural deficits, and the absence of a coherent policy framework. It therefore recommends the urgent development of a national hydrogen strategy, supported by pilot projects and public-private partnerships, to translate potential into tangible decarbonization outcomes.