President Tinubu to Lithium Investors : My Govt is to make Nigeria the Solar Panel/EV Battery manufacturing hub of Africa.

The president made the remarks following the inauguration of a $200 million lithium processing plant in Nasarawa State.

The lithium processing plant in Nasarawa is a 500-million-dollar turnover company, according to the State Governor.

President Tinubu has told Chinese Lithium investors that his government is set to make Nigeria the Solar Panel and Electric Vehicle (EV) Battery manufacturing hub of Africa, following the inauguration of a $200 million lithium processing plant in Nasarawa State.

Tinubu made the remarks on Friday in Abuja during a meeting with Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State, who was accompanied by Mr. Hi Yongwei, Chairman of Avatar New Energy Materials Company Limited, and Mr. Zhenhua Pei, Chairman, Canmax Technologies.

Welcoming the inauguration of the plant, President Tinubu urged the Chinese firms to prioritize environmental protection, community engagement, and corporate social responsibility initiatives as integral parts of their operations.

“There are other aspects of lithium that you are exploring in the country, especially in battery production. Nigeria is a huge market for solar panels. Africa is a major consumer of solar technologies.

“I do not see why these panels and batteries cannot be produced here. The labour is cheaper. Our youths are vibrant and skilled. Our people are brilliant and adapt to new technology.

“The economy is increasingly more vibrant, and Nigeria is dependable. We have the consumption capacity and a surplus of steady-handed citizens with gifted minds and an innate drive to work and produce.

“You must not leave the community in ruins as you explore for our high-grade minerals. You must be concerned with cooperation and always care for the community.

“We are caring partners. We want your investments to succeed so that you can expand further. Whenever you call on us, we will help you.

“You can, in mutually-beneficial collaboration with us, dominate the solar panel market as part of a revolution in Africa and the West African sub-region.

“You can always promote the interest of China and Nigeria as the best place in Africa to do business. We are preparing to produce in this country the solar technologies that the entire continent will use,” the President said.

In his remarks, Governor Sule thanked the President for his unflinching support toward solid mineral development in the country and for sending Senate President Godswill Akpabio to represent him at the inauguration.

“The company that we just commissioned today in Nasarawa is a 500-million-dollar turnover company. They are happy, and they have seen enough potential to mine lithium in the region for the next 15 to 20 years,’’ the Governor said.

In separate remarks, the Chinese executives described their investments in Nigeria as worthwhile. They pledged to adhere to mining regulations while fulfilling their corporate social responsibilities to host communities.

About Avatar New Energy Materials Company Limited and Canmax Technologies

Chinese firm, Avatar New Energy Materials Company Limited, built the recently commissioned 4,000 metric tonnes per day lithium processing factory in Nasarawa Local Government Area.

Canmax Technologies is a renowned Chinese firm responsible for over 30% of global battery material production. The company has announced a new investment of $200 million for another lithium processing plant in Nasarawa State.

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