In an effort to decrease Nigeria’s reliance on foreign production and promote local Manufacturing of key energy storage components, the Minister of Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, revealed the Federal Government’s intention to create a native Lithium battery factory. The announcement was made during a visit to the Technology Incubation Centre in Agege, Lagos. During the minister’s visit, he conducted a thorough examination of the facilities at the hub, which was preceded by a trip to the Federal Institute of Industrial Research in Oshodi, Lagos.
During a conversation with reporters, the minister shared that his recent visits to the Federal Institute of Industrial Research in Oshodi, Lagos, and the Technology Incubation Centre in Agege have been enlightening. He has witnessed a remarkable growth in the number of aspiring industrialists in these establishments. Through their efforts, they have successfully trained over 1,000 individuals by offering guidance, training, and support before assisting them in launching their own businesses. As a result, many successful entrepreneurs have emerged from this initiative.
A lithium processing facility and a recycling plant will be built.
The minister announced that President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda recognises the need for further achievements. He emphasised that all ministers are motivated by this directive, stressing the importance of increasing efforts in various agencies and promoting job creation. There is no need to worry. In his department alone, with the projects currently underway, there will be many reasons for optimism. A groundbreaking move is being made in Nigeria with the establishment of the country’s first lithium battery factory.
Foreign nations will no longer exploit Nigeria’s lithium resources, take it overseas for production, and then bring the finished goods back. These practices will be halted. Initiatives are in progress to create a lithium processing facility and a Recycling plant within the country. According to him, positive outcomes will be evident in Nigeria in the near future. Several business organisations attended the official visit to Agege, such as the Nigeria Association of Small-Scale Industrialists and the Nigeria Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture.
Research & Development Fund will provide assistance to technology experts.
Furthermore, the minister disclosed a new initiative proposed by the president to create a Research and Development Fund. This fund is intended to provide assistance to technology experts and innovative individuals in furthering their research, which is seen as a vital component for progress. Nnaji pointed out the importance of the Ministry of Science and Technology in driving Nigeria’s economic progress. The current president, who hails from the private industry, has shown a strong dedication to increasing power production by utilising Solar Energy resources.
Also, during a recent visit to Abuja Technology Village, the FCT Minister and others explored the idea of upgrading the village into a world-class technology hub like to Silicon Valley. Similarly, Patricia Chukwu, the Director-General of the National Board for Technology Incubation, emphasised how the Technology Incubation Centre in Lagos reflects its dedication to supporting and uplifting talented individuals in the community. Chukwu described it as a central hub where creativity thrives, aspirations become reality, and groundbreaking concepts are born.
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Lastly, she emphasised the importance of technology in tackling urgent challenges like Climate Change and health issues, as well as in improving digital connections. The crucial role of technological progress in today’s rapidly evolving world cannot be overlooked. The possibilities are endless in fields like artificial intelligence, renewable energy, biotechnology, and blockchain. In order to realise the full potential of these opportunities, the DG emphasised the importance of embracing a Culture that values innovation, teamwork, and business savvy.