The federal government has shown its commitment to the lithium industry by initiating the construction of a $250 million lithium factory by the Chinese company Ganfeng Lithium Mining Company in Nasarawa LGA.
The $250 million project, funded by China's Ganfeng Lithium Industry Limited, is expected to create thousands of jobs and enhance the country's industrial development. Nigeria is set to join the global race for electric vehicle production as it inaugurates its first lithium battery factory in Nasarawa State.
Establishing the lithium battery factory is a milestone for Nigeria's industrialization and a step towards reducing its dependence on oil exports. It is also hoped to stimulate innovation and research in the renewable energy sector and foster collaboration with other countries.
Does Nigeria have a battery industry?
This will require a massive increase in battery production and lithium supply. Nigeria has an estimated 3 billion tons of lithium reserves, mostly in Nasarawa, Kaduna and Niger states. The country also has other minerals, such as tin, niobium, tantalum, and uranium, that can be used in battery manufacturing.
Tinubu lauded the inauguration, boasting that it is Nigeria's largest lithium processing plant and a clear indication of the country's attractiveness for foreign investment.
Can lithium be produced in Nigeria?
”There are other aspects of lithium that you are exploring in the country, especially in battery production. Nigeria has a huge market for solar panels. Africa is a major consumer of solar technologies. I do not see why these panels and batteries cannot be produced here.
The country also has other minerals, such as tin, niobium, tantalum, and uranium, that can be used in battery manufacturing. Establishing the lithium battery factory is a milestone for Nigeria's industrialization and a step towards reducing its dependence on oil exports.