President Bola Tinubu has urged investors in the lithium industry to prioritize environmental conservation and community engagement, cautioning against leaving host communities devastated by exploration activities. Tinubu’s counsel came during a meeting with a delegation from Avatar New Energy Materials Company Limited and Canmax Technologies, led by Nasarawa Governor Abdullahi Sule. Commending the inauguration of Nigeria’s largest lithium processing plant in Lafia, Nasarawa State, Tinubu stressed the importance of responsible mining practices, emphasizing, “You must not leave the community in ruins as you explore for our high-grade minerals. You must be concerned with cooperation and always care for the community.”
The President emphasized the necessity for companies to prioritize environmental protection, community engagement, and corporate social responsibility initiatives. This includes ensuring that their operations benefit the local population and minimize ecological damage. Avatar New Energy Materials Company Limited has invested $500 million in the lithium processing plant, producing about 4,000 metric tonnes daily, while Canmax Technologies announced a new investment of $200 million for another lithium processing plant in Nasarawa State.
Tinubu reiterated his administration’s commitment to positioning Nigeria as a key player in the global lithium market and a hub for solar panel and EV battery manufacturing in Africa. He highlighted Nigeria’s potential as a significant market for solar panels, with Africa being a major consumer of solar technologies. Tinubu expressed confidence in Nigeria’s workforce, emphasizing its vibrancy, skillfulness, and adaptability to new technologies. He also praised Sule and Minister of Solid Minerals, Mr. Dele Alake, for their efforts in ensuring environmental protection and value addition by mining firms operating in the country.
Tinubu extended gratitude to the Chinese executives for their investment and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to providing necessary support and encouragement for such ventures. He emphasized the importance of partnerships between China and Nigeria in promoting business interests, noting that Nigeria is open for investment and eager to collaborate for mutual benefit. Tinubu concluded by highlighting the significance of the new factory’s inauguration as a testament to Nigeria’s readiness for business and its potential as a solid investment destination.