Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, Monday, commended the Nasarawa State Government over commitment to completion of one of Nigeria’s largest lithium factories in the State. Alake made the commendation during the visit by Nasarawa State Governor, Engr Abdullahi Sule in his office at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja, as contained in a statement signed by his Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori, while he pointed out that the investment of the State in the construction of the lithium factory and efforts to secure the mining environment in Nasarawa underscores the commitment of the State Government to mining sector development. He said “I want to commend the governor for taking the bull by the horn and providing adequate security for mining sites. That is why we have a preponderance of peace around mining operations in Nasarawa.
“I commend that to other state governments as well. Also worthy of commendation is the immense support the state has provided for the construction of the lithium processing factory, which is nearing completion. It will be one of the largest lithium processing factories in Nigeria.” However, while he urged other states to take a cue from Nasarawa, Alake asserted that partnerships with the federal government and private sector are paramount to ensure that the local value addition objective of the Tinubu administration is realised, in earnest. Meanwhile, Governor Sule disclosed that the first Lithium processing plant being constructed is almost ready for commissioning. He also explained why he came to visit the Minister, which according to him is basically about other issues that centre on insecurity around mining sites and fostering cooperation with the Federal Government for mining development, hence his parley with the Minister. He hinted that collaboration with the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) is on, basically for the supply and utilisation of Lithium produced by the State as a raw material for the production of solar panels, motor vehicle batteries, and amongst others.
“We had extensive discussions with NASENI for the use of our lithium as a raw material for their products and in the area of agriculture. I think that is one important thing that you are going to see from our Lithium processing plant. NASENI comes in to buy the pure Lithium so that they can be used in the manufacture of solar panels and motor vehicle batteries and their likes”, he said.
