President Bola Tinubu says his administration would make Nigeria a solar panel and EV battery manufacturing hub of Africa.

Tinubu made the vow during a meeting with Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule, who was accompanied by Chairman of Avatar New Energy Materials Company Limited Hi Yongwei and Chairman of Canmax Technologies Zhenhua Pei, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Friday, May 10, 2024.

The president also commended the inauguration of Nigeria’s largest lithium processing plant in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital, hailing it as a clear indication of the country’s attractiveness for foreign investment.

Avatar, a Chinese firm, built the lithium processing plant which produces about 4,000 metric tonnes daily, while Canmax Technologies, a Chinese firm responsible announced a new investment of $200 million for another lithium processing plant in Nasarawa State.

Welcoming the inauguration of the plant and the announcement of new investment plans, President Tinubu urged the Chinese firms to prioritise environmental protection, community engagement, and corporate social responsibility initiatives as integral parts of their operations.

He said: “There are other aspects of lithium that you are exploring in the country, especially in battery production. Nigeria is a huge market for solar panels. Africa is a major consumer of solar technologies.

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“I do not see why these panels and batteries cannot be produced here. The labour is cheaper. Our youths are vibrant and skilled. Our people are brilliant and adapt to new technology. The economy is increasingly more vibrant, and Nigeria is dependable. We have the consumption capacity and a surplus of steady-handed citizens with gifted minds and an innate drive to work and produce.

“You must not leave the community in ruins as you explore for our high-grade minerals. You must be concerned with cooperation and always care for the community.

“We are caring partners. We want your investments to succeed so that you can expand further. Whenever you call on us, we will help you. You can, in mutually-beneficial collaboration with us, dominate the solar panel market as part of a revolution in Africa and the West African sub-region.

“You can always promote the interest of China and Nigeria as the best place in Africa to do business. We are preparing to produce in this country the solar technologies that the entire continent will use.”

Tinubu further applauded Governor Sule and Minister of Solid Minerals Dele Alake for their dedication to ensuring environmental protection and value addition by mining firms operating in the country.

Speaking, Governor Sule thanked the president for his support toward solid mineral development in the country and for sending Senate President Godswill Akpabio to represent him at the inauguration.

In their separate remarks, the Chinese executives described their investments in Nigeria as worthwhile and pledged to adhere to mining regulations while fulfilling their corporate social responsibilities to host communities.

The Star