Shettima Commissions Lithium Processing Plant, Reaffirms Nigeria’s Drive for Industrial Growth
Shettima Commissions Lithium Processing Plant, Reaffirms Nigeria's Drive for Industrial Growth
Shettima Commissions Lithium Processing Plant, Reaffirms Nigeria’s Drive for Industrial Growth
Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to creating jobs, building skills and expanding Nigeria’s productive capacity through greater participation in the global minerals economy.
Representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Vice President made the remarks on Thursday while commissioning the Diamond New Energy Projects lithium processing plant in Nasarawa State, one of Africa’s major lithium processing facilities.
Shettima said the project reflects growing investor confidence in Nigeria, the reforms of the current administration and the country’s vast solid mineral potential.
He stressed that while Nigeria is richly endowed with resources such as lithium, gold, tin, iron ore, coal and other strategic minerals, meaningful development can only be achieved by moving beyond the export of raw materials to local processing and value addition.
According to him, the country’s economic future depends on transforming its mineral wealth into industries that create employment, strengthen local businesses and support long-term economic growth.
The Vice President described the solid minerals sector as a key pillar of the Federal Government’s economic diversification agenda, noting that the increasing global demand for critical minerals has created new opportunities for Nigeria.
He commended the Nasarawa State Government for creating an enabling environment for investment and praised the management of Diamond New Energy for establishing the processing plant.
Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State described the project as a major milestone in the state’s industrial development, urging more local and foreign investors to take advantage of its abundant mineral resources and strategic location near the Federal Capital Territory.
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, said ongoing reforms by the Federal Government have increased investor confidence in Nigeria’s mining sector.
He expressed optimism that the solid minerals industry would become a major driver of economic growth, industrialisation and poverty reduction.
Also speaking, Senator Ahmed Wadada, representing Nasarawa West Senatorial District, called on Diamond New Energy to expand its investment by establishing a lithium battery manufacturing plant in Nigeria to promote greater value addition and create more employment opportunities.
The Chairman of Nasarawa Local Government Area, Alhaji Mohammed Ahmed, welcomed the investment, saying it would boost economic activities, create jobs and increase internally generated revenue for the host community.
Other speakers, including the Nasarawa State Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Princess Margaret Elayo, the Ambassador of Jiuling and Canmax, Mr. Yu Chongqiang, and the Emir of Keffi, Shehu Chindo Yamusa III, described the project as a significant step towards strengthening Nigeria’s position in mineral processing and value addition while pledging continued support for the investment.
Shettima Commissions Lithium Processing Plant, Reaffirms Nigeria’s Drive for Industrial Growth
