President Bola Tinubu has said his administration is working towards making Nigeria Africa’s solar panel and electric vehicle battery manufacturing hub. He said Nigeria had enormous potential to achieve the plan, adding that the country had large market for the products. He also said Nigeria had skilled workforce, and a dependable economy.

He urged investors to dominate the solar panel market in Africa and the West African sub-region through mutually beneficial collaboration with Nigeria. He spoke during a meeting with Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State and Chinese executives from Avatar New Energy Materials Company Limited and Canmax Technologies in Abuja.

The President, however, warned Lithium investors not to leave communities in ruins as they explore Nigeria’s high-grade minerals. He charged the investors to prioritize environmental protection, community engagement, and corporate social responsibility initiatives. He assured the companies of FG’s continued support and encouragement, adding that Nigeria is open for business. He also lauded the inauguration of lithium processing plant in Lafia, Nasarawa State, and the announcement of a new $200 million investment by Canmax Technologies.

Tinubu commended Governor Sule and Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, for their dedication to environmental protection and value addition in the mining sector. Sule thanked the President for his support and highlighted the potential of the lithium mining industry in Nasarawa State.