Udege(Nasarawa), Oct. 13, 2023 – President Bola Tinubu says his administration will put an end to the practice of exporting solid minerals raw.
Tinubu said this on Friday at the groundbreaking ceremony of a $250 million lithium factory in Nasarawa State.
The president, who was represented by Dele Alake, the Minister for Solid Minerals Development, said government would discourage the carting away of our solid minerals without value addition.
He said the establishment of the factory project was in line with his administration’s industrialization policy directed at providing adequate energy for the country.
Tinubu assured the President of Ganfeng Lithium Industry Limited, Pan Quen, of the Nigerian government’s support.
“I want to congratulate this company for the feats recorded in Africa with a greater interest in Nigeria. Under this administration, we shall do everything possible to discourage the carting away of our solid minerals without value addition.
“I want to emphasize the fact that the era of exporting raw solid minerals from Nigeria is over.
“To further demonstrate our seriousness to stop the illegal export of our solid minerals, we are collaborating with the Customs to detect both major and minor raw materials from the ports.
“Your 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.”
“We will support and turn around this idea into reality because you have dared to enter into a terrain that others have been too scared to venture into.
‘I am convinced that my presence here will give you the boost to deliver this project according to specifications. This bold move marks a new chapter in Nigeria’s journey towards industrialization and energy independence,” Tinubu said.
The Ganfeng Lithium factory is located in the Endo Community of Udege in Nasarawa Local Government Area of the state
The company will process 18,000 metric tons of lithium per day. (GBN)
