China is zeroing in on Nigeria, and Nasarawa is right at the center of it. Two massive lithium mining and processing plants are rising in Nasarawa State.
The push? A bold clean energy shift by China and Nigeria’s growing reputation as a West African powerhouse.
Governor Abdullahi Sule opened up about this during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics.
In his words: “China is actually now in a clean energy revolution, that is what is happening and China is getting ready to invest a multi-billion dollar in Africa, and in Africa they decided to focus on Nigeria.
“With all the things that are being said they are focusing on Nigeria, why are they focusing on Nigeria? They are looking at Nigeria as an undisputed leader when it comes to the West African market, for instance.
With a population of over 220 million and the population of entire West Africa of 400 million, with our GDP now going close to $480 billion, they are looking at Nigeria as the right partner.”
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Lithium, heavily found in Nasarawa and other regions, is beginning to look like Nigeria’s next major export. Governor Sule sees it as a viable replacement for oil if politics doesn’t get in the way.
“The moment we take politics out of it and allow investors to make decisions correctly, then I think Nigeria is in for it. This is another oil that is coming, that is how God has blessed Nigeria in particular and this is the way to go.”
While the new lithium ventures might not offer the same volume of jobs as agriculture, the Governor is optimistic. The knowledge and skills locals gain from working in these plants, he believes, will drive long-term development and strengthen the state’s economy.
The world is shifting to clean energy. Nigeria is positioning itself as a key player. Nasarawa may soon be leading that charge.