President Bola Tinubu, during a high-profile meeting with Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State, who was accompanied by Mr. Hi Yongwei, Chairman of Avatar New Energy Materials Company Limited, and Mr. Zhenhua Pei, Chairman, Canmax Technologies in Abuja, announced Nigeria’s ambitious plan to become Africa’s leading solar panel and electric vehicle (EV) battery manufacturing center, attracting global investors.
In a press release from the State House, President Tinubu expressed his enthusiasm for Nigeria’s burgeoning lithium sector, highlighting the inauguration of a massive lithium processing plant in Nasarawa State as a pivotal step towards achieving this vision.
President Tinubu emphasized, “Nigeria is 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.”
He welcomed investments from Avatar New Energy Materials Company Limited and Canmax Technologies, both Chinese firms, stressing the importance of environmental protection and community engagement alongside corporate success.
Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State lauded the President’s support for solid mineral development and acknowledged the substantial potential in the region’s lithium mining sector.
Mr. Hi Yongwei from Avatar and Mr. Zhenhua Pei from Canmax reaffirmed their commitment to responsible mining practices and contributing to Nigeria’s economic growth.
Additionally, Minister of Solid Minerals Mr. Dele Alake outlined proactive measures to address environmental risks posed by abandoned mines, emphasizing the government’s focus on enhancing local value across the mining value chain.
The Chinese executives, optimistic about their investments in Nigeria, pledged to comply with mining regulations and fulfill their corporate social responsibilities to local communities.
President Tinubu’s strategic approach and collaboration with global investors signal Nigeria’s readiness to lead in sustainable energy solutions, poised to transform the continent’s industrial landscape.
