Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, has announced that President Bola Tinubu will soon commission a newly completed lithium processing plant with a capacity of 6,000 metric tonnes in Nasarawa State.

The facility, built by a Chinese investor, is a significant milestone in Nigeria's efforts to harness its solid minerals sector and unlock economic potential.

Governor Sule revealed that the plant's completion is a direct result of investor confidence, following the commissioning of a 3,000 metric tonnes lithium processing plant in 2024, which attracted new investors and confirmed the state's vast lithium deposits. The new plant will help reduce raw mineral exports and boost local content through value addition.

Lithium, a crucial component in rechargeable batteries for electric vehicles and renewable energy storage, has become highly sought after globally. The Nasarawa project is expected to strengthen Nigeria's position in the global market, create jobs, and drive economic growth in the state.

The project aligns with Nigeria's drive to industrialize its solid minerals sector, and the government has emphasized environmental protection, community engagement, and corporate social responsibility in mining operations. With this new development, Nigeria is poised to become a significant player in the global electric vehicle battery market.