Nigerian Minister for Solid Minerals Development, Oladele Alake, has called on potential investors, saying the era of exporting raw materials is over. The minister also restated the policy of value addition by any company with the requisite license and permits to mine Minerals in Nigeria. This was made known in a statement made available to journalists by the Head of Press and PR of the Ministry, Mr. Alaba Balogun. The minister stated this in Lado village, Udede Development Area, Nasarawa local government, Nasarawa State, Northcentral, Nigeria.
This is the site of the foundation stone-laying ceremony of the factory for processing of Lithium batteries, which was established by the Ganfeng Lithium Industry Limited. He urged all stakeholders and potential investors to embrace it so as to boost the economy to bring foreign exchange. While he acknowledged the significance of the ceremony for processing a 16,000-ton Lithium battery, Alake noted that it aligns with the policy of Tinubu’s administration to create wealth and generate employment opportunities for the youths through value addition to the industry.
Industrial development can only survive in a peaceful environment.
Because of this, the minister said, “I chose to honour the invitation to participate in the foundation stone-laying ceremony of the factory because my presence will provide moral support to deliver this project as fast as possible.” He said that the administration will give all the support to make it a reality. He also commended the courage and enterprise of the Executive Governor of Nasarawa State, Abdullahi Sule, for achieving the successful groundbreaking ceremony, while urging his peers to imbibe the economic recovery policy.
Furthermore, Dr. Alake emphatically admonished the project community to nurture a harmonious relationship with the company to engender mutual benefits to the community, state and country at large. He said that constructive industrial development can only survive and flourish in an atmosphere of peace. This is worth noting as the level of hospitality of indigenes will determine to what extent the project will flourish. Many great projects have failed just because the locals of the communities did not care about it or even actively worked against its progress.
Illegal export of raw materials will be stopped by Customs.
In his address, the Executive Governor of Nasarawa State lauded the Nigerian Government and the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development for facilitating the establishment of a Lithium battery energy plant in Nasarawa State. ”Today, I am fulfilled to see the realization of my dream,” he stated. When fully operational, the company will employ 2,500 indigenes with the additional benefit of capacity building. Represented by the minister at the ceremony, President Tinubu commended the company for initiating the project in line with the federal government policy and assured Ganfeng of the federal government’s support.
President Tinubu emphasized the fact that the era of exporting raw solid minerals from Nigeria is over. To further demonstrate the government’s seriousness to stop the illegal export of the nation’s solid minerals, he said that the FG is collaborating with the Customs to detect both major and minor raw materials from the ports. He said that the decision to set up a factory to make lithium batteries is a welcome development that will not only add value to the nation’s product but create direct and indirect jobs for Nigerians.
Factory will process millions of lithium tons annually.
Tinubu gave an assurance that the federal government will put in place measures to create an enabling environment for their operation in all their establishments in the country. Also speaking, President of Ganfeng Lithium Industry Limited, Pan Quen, disclosed that the mega factory when completed would process 18,000 metric tons of lithium per day and 4.5 million metric tons annually. He explained further that the project has a duration of 24 months, adding that the factory would also have the capacity of providing 2,500 direct and indirect employment opportunities to Nigerians.
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Minister says raw material export over. – Alake calls on potential investors as Tinubu lays Lithium factory’s foundation. – Express your point of view.
Stop selling our raw materials and start using them to make locally produced goods instead will be a good thing for our country economy Minister declares raw material export complete. – As our president sets the basis for the lithium factory.
I’m glad to hear that the Minister has made the decision to end raw material export and focus on developing a Lithium factory. This is a significant step towards promoting industrialization and economic growth in Nigeria. By shifting the focus from exporting raw materials to establishing value-added industries, the country can create more job opportunities, stimulate local manufacturing, and attract potential investors.
The establishment of a Lithium factory is particularly promising, as Lithium is a vital component in various industries, including renewable energy, electronics, and electric vehicles. With the increasing global demand for these products, having a domestic Lithium factory can not only reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imports but also position the country as a key player in the global market.
Moreover, the call for potential investors by Alake demonstrates a proactive approach in attracting both local and international businesses to invest in Nigeria’s industrial sector. This can lead to technology transfer, knowledge sharing, and the infusion of capital, which are all crucial for the growth and development of the Lithium factory and other industries in the country.
It’s important to note that the success of this initiative will depend on various factors such as infrastructure development, access to skilled labor, favorable business policies, and a conducive investment climate. The government should prioritize creating an enabling environment that fosters innovation, provides necessary incentives, and ensures a transparent and efficient regulatory framework.
Overall, the decision to end raw material export and establish a Lithium factory in Nigeria is a significant step towards economic diversification, industrialization, and attracting investments. It has the potential to create a ripple effect, driving growth in other sectors, fostering technological advancements, and positioning Nigeria as a competitive player in the global market. I’m excited to see the progress and positive impact this initiative will bring to the country.
Minister says raw material export over. Instead of selling them to other countries who use them more extensively than we do despite the fact that we possess them, we should use our raw materials for our own gain and stop exporting them. I sincerely hope that the minister will stick with this choice to export raw materials.