Oredola Adeola
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has revealed that the take-off of a Lithium processing factory built in Nasarawa State by a Chinese firm offers Nigeria the opportunities to learn how it is done, to own and hone the skills for the benefit of the country.
He made this known on Friday at the commissioning, which took place at Kama Otto in Nasarawa Local Government Area.
The President who was represented at the occasion by Godswill Akpabio, Senate President, in his remark said the commissioning of the Avatar New Energy Materials Company Limited was an example of a good partnership between the Federal Government, State and Investors.
Tinubu explained that the Lithium Company in Nassarawa state would not only create opportunities for the youth but also position Nigeria as a key player in the global Lithium market.
According to him, this is in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of diversifying the nation’s economy by leveraging on the mining sector in order to expand the country’s sources of revenue for socio-economic development.
Tinubu further said, “Realising the benefits of Lithium and other mineral resources, our administration will continue to pay particular attention to the maximum utilisation of the product for the benefit of our people.
“While we appreciate this investment in the first phase, processing of Lithium, our goal is for investors to establish factories for the complete value chain processing of Lithium and all other minerals,” the President said.
He therefore called on all Nigerians to support the policies of his government and urged local and international companies to patronise Avatar Company for the growth and prosperity of Nigeria.
President Tinubu confirmed that the state-of-the art Lithium processing factory, is one of the best in Africa.
” Lithium is a critical component in the production of batteries for electric commodities.
“Our people have been using phones, vehicles and other appliances powered by Lithium batteries as consumers.
“For the first time in the history of our technology, we are becoming partners and partakers in the production value chain of this minerals.
“This is a historic leap because we now have opportunities to know how it is done, to own and home the skills.” he noted.
Abdullahi Sule, Nasarawa State Governor in his remark, said that they would not have been able to open the state for such investment without the support of President Tinubu and without the support of the local communities.
The Governor also appreciated the security agencies because, according to him, the site of the factory used to be a “no go area” on account of banditry activities but the area is now well secured.
Dele Alake, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, also said what Avatar New Energy Materials Company did, with the commissioning of the factory, was to show that it is not only possible but also profitable.
“The feedback from our investment promotion and the increasing number of companies seeking to set up similar Lithium battery factories like this in our country are already multiplying.
“And this is encouraging us to make a case for strong protection of these Lithium battery companies from foreign competition,” Alake said.
