The Nasarawa State governor, Abdullahi Sule, has disclosed that the state was in collaboration with the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) for the utilisation of Lithium produced by the state as a raw material for the production of solar panels and motor vehicle batteries, amongst others.
The governor stated this during a visit to the minister of solid minerals development, Dr. Dele Alake, in his office in Abuja on Monday.
He said, “We had extensive discussions with NASENI for the use of our lithium as a raw material for their products and in the area of agriculture. I think that is one important thing that you are going to see from our Lithium processing plant. NASENI comes in to buy the pure Lithium so that they can be used in the manufacture of solar panels and motor vehicle batteries and their likes,” Sule said.
In a statement by the minister’s media aide, Segun Tomori, Governor Sule revealed that the first Lithium processing plant being constructed was almost ready for commissioning, adding that other issues that centred around insecurity around mining sites and fostering cooperation with the federal government for mining development prompted his parley with the minister.
In his speech, the minister applauded Nasarawa State for supporting the establishment of a lithium processing facility in the state and providing an enabling environment for mining operations.
Alake asserted that the investment of the state in the construction of the lithium factory and efforts to secure the mining environment in Nasarawa underscored the commitment of the state government to mining sector development.
“I want to commend the governor for taking the bull by the horn and providing adequate security for mining sites. That is why we have a preponderance of peace around mining operations in Nasarawa. I commend that to other state governments as well.
“Also worthy of commendation is the immense support the state has provided for the construction of the lithium processing factory, which is nearing completion. It will be one of the largest lithium processing factories in Nigeria,” he added.
Alake urged other states to follow Nasarawa’s example, even as he averred that partnerships with the federal government and private sector are vital to ensure that the local value addition objective of the Tinubu administration is achieved.