Photo: Dele Alake, Minister of Solid Minerals.
Chinese firm builds $250m lithium battery factory in Nasarawa
A Chinese firm, Ganfeng Lithium Industry Ltd., has begun the construction of a $250 million lithium battery factory in Nasarawa State, taking advantage of the abundance of lithium mineral in the country.
Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the battery manufacturing industry on behalf of President Bola Tinubu.
The battery manufacturing factory is located in Endo community of Udege Development Area, Nasarawa Local Government Area.
When completed, the mega factory would process 18,000 metric tons of lithium per day and 4.5 million metric tons annually.
While inaugurating the project, Tinubu assured the President of Ganfeng Lithium Industry Limited, Pan Quen, of the Nigerian government’s support.
He said: “The construction of the factory project is in line with his administration’s industrialization policy directed at providing adequate energy for the country.
“I want to congratulate this company for the feats recorded in Africa with a greater interest in Nigeria. Under this administration, we shall do everything possible to discourage the carting away of our solid minerals without value addition.
“I want to emphasize 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.”
According to the President, the company’s decision to set up a factory to make lithium batteries is a welcome development that will not only add value to the nation’s product but create direct and indirect jobs for Nigerians.
Tinubu said the government would put in place measures to create an enabling environment for their operation in all their establishments in the country.
“We will support and turn around this idea into reality because you have dared to enter into a terrain that others have been too scared to venture into.
“I am convinced that my presence here will give you the boost to deliver this project according to specifications. This bold move marks a new chapter in Nigeria’s journey towards industrialization and energy independence,” he said.
