President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced Nigeria’s strategic goal to become a major producer of solar technologies for Africa. The President highlighted the importance of collaboration with China to dominate the solar panel market in Africa and the West African sub-region. This declaration was made during a meeting with Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State, where President Tinubu praised the inauguration of Nigeria’s largest lithium processing plant in Lafia, Nasarawa State, as a sign of the country’s attractiveness to foreign investment.
President Tinubu urged Chinese firms to prioritize environmental protection and corporate social responsibility in their operations, particularly in the areas of solar panel and battery production. He expressed confidence in Nigeria’s skilled workforce and vibrant economy, emphasizing the country’s potential to locally produce solar technologies.
Governor Sule and the Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, received accolades from President Tinubu for their efforts in environmental protection and value addition in the mining sector. He also reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for investment and trade with European partners.
In response, Governor Sule expressed gratitude for President Tinubu’s support for solid mineral development, highlighting the potential for lithium mining in Nasarawa State. Mr. Alake outlined proactive measures by the Ministry of Solid Minerals to address risks posed by abandoned mines and promote indigenous participation in the mining sector.
Chinese executives present at the meeting pledged to adhere to mining regulations and fulfill corporate social responsibilities to host communities. Avatar, a Chinese firm, commissioned the lithium processing plant in Nasarawa State, while Canmax Technologies announced a new investment of $200 million for another lithium processing plant in the state.
President Tinubu’s vision positions Nigeria as a key player in the renewable energy sector, with the potential to drive economic growth, create jobs, and enhance environmental sustainability.
