President Bola Tinubu has issued a stern warning to foreign investors eyeing Nigeria’s lithium deposits, stressing the importance of responsible mining practices to avoid harming local communities.
The caution comes as Nigeria sets its sights on becoming Africa’s primary hub for solar panel and electric vehicle (EV) battery manufacturing.
In a meeting at the State House in Abuja, Tinubu stated the need for cooperation and community care from entities exploring Nigeria’s high-grade minerals.
The President welcomed a delegation of Lithium investors led by Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State, alongside representatives from Avatar New Energy Materials Company Limited and Canmax Technologies.
Nigeria recently celebrated the inauguration of its largest lithium processing plant in Lafia, Nasarawa State, constructed by Avatar, a Chinese firm.
This plant, producing approximately 4,000 metric tonnes daily, signifies the nation’s attractiveness for foreign investment. Moreover, Canmax Technologies, a renowned Chinese firm responsible for over 30 percent of global battery material production, announced a new $200 million investment for another lithium processing plant in Nasarawa State.
Acknowledging these developments, Tinubu urged Chinese firms to prioritize environmental protection, community engagement, and corporate social responsibility in their operations. He highlighted Nigeria’s potential as a major market for solar panels and batteries, emphasizing the country’s skilled workforce and burgeoning economy.
Tinubu assured the investors of his administration’s support, envisioning mutually beneficial collaboration to dominate the solar panel market and revolutionize Africa’s energy sector. He commended Governor Sule and Minister of Solid Minerals, Mr. Dele Alake, for their dedication to environmental protection and value addition by mining firms.
Governor Sule expressed gratitude for Tinubu’s support and highlighted the immense potential of lithium mining in Nasarawa State, projecting significant turnovers for the region in the coming years. Minister Alake outlined proactive measures to address risks posed by abandoned mines, emphasizing the government’s commitment to promoting indigenous participation and economic empowerment in the mining sector.
