President Bola Tinubu has unveiled plans to transform Nigeria into Africa’s central hub for manufacturing solar panels and electric vehicle batteries.
This announcement was made on Friday in Abuja during a meeting with Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State and executives from two major Chinese firms, Avatar New Energy Materials Company Limited and Canmax Technologies.
Tinubu praised the recent inauguration of Nigeria’s largest lithium processing plant in Lafia, Nasarawa State, a project by Avatar.
This plant, producing around 4,000 metric tons of lithium daily, underscores Nigeria’s attractiveness to foreign investors. Canmax Technologies, which accounts for over 30% of global battery material production, announced a new $200 million investment for another lithium processing plant in Nasarawa.
Tinubu emphasized the importance of environmental protection, community engagement, and corporate social responsibility for the Chinese firms operating in Nigeria.
He highlighted Nigeria’s potential as a manufacturing base for solar panels and batteries, given its large market, skilled labor force, and vibrant economy.
“You are exploring other aspects of lithium in the country, especially battery production. Nigeria is a huge market for solar panels, and Africa is a major consumer of solar technologies.
I do not see why these panels and batteries cannot be produced here. The labor is cheaper. Our youth are vibrant and skilled. Our people are brilliant and adapt to new technology,” Tinubu stated.
The president assured the investors of the administration’s support, encouraging them to expand their operations and dominate the African solar panel market.
He also urged them to ensure the well-being of local communities and not to leave environmental damage in their wake.
Tinubu commended Governor Sule and Minister of Solid Minerals Dele Alake for their efforts in promoting environmental protection and value addition by mining firms.
Governor Sule expressed gratitude to Tinubu for his support of solid mineral development and for delegating Senate President Godswill Akpabio to represent him at the plant’s inauguration.
Minister Alake discussed the ministry’s proactive measures to address abandoned mines from the colonial era, repurposing some for agriculture and irrigation.
The Chinese executives affirmed their commitment to Nigeria’s regulations and their corporate social responsibilities.
This strategic partnership with Chinese firms marks a significant step towards boosting Nigeria’s industrial capabilities and ensuring sustainable economic growth.
