The Federal Government, on Thursday inaugurated a $250m lithium battery factory in Nasarawa State.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony of the Ganfeng Lithium Industry Limited factory in Endo community, Nasarawa Local Government Area, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, said it aligned with President Bola Tinubu administration’s commitment to provide adequate energy for Nigerians.
Alake assured the firm of the Federal Government’s support at all times.
“I must say congratulations to this company for this uncommon feat. Under this administration, we shall do everything possible to discourage the carting away of our solid minerals without value addition.
“I want to emphasise the fact that the era of exporting raw solid minerals from Nigeria is over. To further demonstrate our seriousness to stop the illegal export of our solid minerals, we are collaborating with the Customs to detect both major and minor raw materials from the ports.
“Your decision to set up a factory to make lithium batteries is a product of great wisdom. We will give you all the support that you need to turn this idea into reality because you have dared to enter into a terrain that others have been too scared to venture into, and I am convinced that my presence here will give you the boost to deliver this project according to specifications,” the minister said.
On his part, the President of Ganfeng Lithium Industry Limited, Pan Quen, said the firm was investing $250m in the mega factory.
He said, “We will open up a new journey here today as we will build a new factory here in Nasarawa State in a land full of hope. A total investment of $250m by three construction firms will take two years. And when we complete it, the plant will handle 18,000 tons of lithium per day with an annual processing capacity of 4.5 million tons. The plant will provide directly 2,500 jobs and indirectly more than 15,000 jobs.
“I strongly believe that with the construction of the lithium factory here in Nasarawa State, more of Chinese stakeholders will invest in Nigeria which would help to boost the economy of the nation,” he said.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, pledged the state’s government continuous support to investors.
