“My Government Set to Make Nigeria Manufacturing Hub for Solar Panels, EV Batteries,” Tinubu Tells Chinese Lithium Investors
President Bola Tinubu has proudly highlighted the significant strides Nigeria is making in attracting foreign investment, particularly in the lithium processing sector. This positive development was emphasized during his meeting with Avatar New Energy Materials Company Limited and Canmax Technologies representatives, marking a new era in Nigeria’s industrial ambitions.
The highlight of this meeting was the recent inauguration of Nigeria’s largest lithium processing plant in Lafia, Nasarawa State, a venture by the Chinese firm Avatar. This facility boasts a remarkable daily production capacity of 4,000 metric tonnes. Canmax Technologies, another key player from China and a global leader in battery material production, is set to further invest $200 million in a new lithium processing plant in the same state.
President Tinubu welcomed these milestones with great enthusiasm and encouraged the firms to integrate environmental sustainability, community engagement, and corporate social responsibility into their business practices. He highlighted Nigeria’s vibrant workforce, technological adaptability, and economic viability as key factors making the country an ideal destination for manufacturing operations in solar panel and EV battery production.
“Nigeria possesses a huge market for solar technologies, and given Africa’s demand, it’s imperative we explore local production to leverage our cost-effective labor and skilled youth,” Tinubu expressed. He also emphasized the importance of conscientious mining practices that contribute positively to communities and their environments.
The President also appreciated Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State and Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, for their commitment to responsible mining practices and environmental conservation. Their efforts have been instrumental in setting the stage for sustainable mineral extraction in Nigeria.
Governor Sule expressed gratitude towards President Tinubu for his unwavering support of solid mineral development, noting the potential for lithium mining in the region to span the next two decades with significant economic turnover.
Minister Alake assured of proactive measures to convert abandoned mines into useful resources, alongside implementing rigorous requirements for mining operations that ensure lasting benefits and environmental care.
In their closing remarks, the executives from the Chinese firms committed to adhering to all mining regulations and fulfilling their social responsibility towards their host communities, reinforcing the mutually beneficial partnership between Nigeria and their companies.
This historic collaboration marks a significant leap towards transforming Nigeria into a hub for renewable energy technologies, with the government’s full support promising a bright future for industrialization and sustainable development.
