President Bola Tinubu has unveiled plans to establish Nigeria as a production hub for solar panels and electric vehicle batteries in Africa.
This announcement was made during the inauguration of the country’s largest lithium processing plant in Lafia, Nasarawa State.
The plant, built by Avatar, a leading Chinese firm, has a daily production capacity of approximately 4,000 metric tonnes of lithium.
Additionally, Canmax Technologies, another prominent Chinese company, has announced a $200 million investment to establish another lithium processing plant in the region.
President Tinubu emphasized the importance of environmental stewardship, community engagement, and corporate social responsibility for the Chinese firms operating in Nigeria.
He urged them to prioritize these aspects as integral components of their operations, highlighting the potential for collaboration to promote mutual interests between China and Nigeria.
The President also stressed the need for sustainable development and indigenous participation in the mining sector.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to promoting local value addition and economic empowerment throughout the mining value chain.
He said, “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.”
The Chinese executives reaffirmed their commitment to adhering to mining regulations and fulfilling corporate social responsibilities to local communities.
They described their investments in Nigeria as valuable and pledged to contribute positively to the nation’s economic and social development.
