President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by Senate President Senator Godswill Akpabio, inaugurated a lithium processing factory in Nasarawa State. Built by Chinese firm Avatar New Energy Materials Company Limited, the commissioning ceremony took place at Kama Otto in Nasarawa Local Government Area in collaboration with the Nasarawa State Government.
Tinubu hailed the commissioning as a prime example of fruitful partnerships between the federal government, state, and investors. He emphasized that the establishment of the lithium company would not only provide opportunities for youth employment but also position Nigeria as a significant player in the global lithium market. This aligns with the government's Renewed Hope Agenda, focusing on economic diversification through the mining sector to enhance revenue sources for socio-economic development.
Highlighting the significance of the lithium industry, Tinubu stressed the administration's commitment to maximizing the product's utilization for the people's benefit. He expressed the government's aspirations for investors to establish factories encompassing the complete value chain processing of lithium and other minerals.
The President urged all Nigerians to support government policies and encouraged both local and international companies to engage with Avatar Company for Nigeria's growth and prosperity. He also expressed gratitude to the people of Nasarawa for their support during the last Presidential election.
Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State acknowledged President Tinubu's support and underscored the critical role of local communities and security agencies in facilitating such investments. He noted the transformation of the factory site from a "no-go area" plagued by banditry to a secure location conducive to development.
The commissioning of the lithium processing factory signifies a significant milestone in Nigeria's industrial landscape, heralding opportunities for economic growth, technological advancement, and job creation.
