Tinubu Commissions West Africa's Biggest Lithium Plant in Nasarawa

Nigeria achieved a significant industrial milestone as President Bola Tinubu officially launched West Africa's largest lithium processing facility in Nasarawa State. The new plant, situated in the Endo community of Nasarawa Local Government Area, boasts an impressive daily processing capacity of 6,000 metric tonnes and can handle up to three million metric tonnes annually. Since commencing operations, the company behind the facility has reportedly generated over 1,000 direct employment opportunities and an additional 2,000 indirect jobs within the region.

Speaking at the commissioning on Thursday, President Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, underscored the critical role of solid minerals as the foundation of any thriving economy, noting that technological advancement is impossible without them. He highlighted his administration's commitment to prioritizing this sector. The President, however, cautioned against complacency, stressing that national greatness is not merely a product of abundant natural resources but rather the result of converting these assets into economic prosperity through discipline, enterprise, technology, skills, and industrial organization.

Tinubu remarked, “Across the world, countries blessed with minerals, oil, gas, fertile lands, and strategic locations remain trapped in poverty because they failed to convert these resources into productive capacity, while nations with far fewer advantages have risen to global prominence through discipline, enterprise, technology, skills, and industrial organisation. Natural resources may be a blessing, but only vision can turn them into wealth. Only institutions can protect that wealth. Only industry can multiply it, and only people can give it meaning.”

He further observed that discussions around Nigeria's subsoil wealth, including gold, lithium, tin, iron ore, bitumen, coal, and rare earth elements, have been prominent. Yet, he asserted, “But pride does not build factories. Statistics do not create jobs, and mineral maps do not transform the lives of young Nigerians. What changes a nation is a deliberate movement from extraction to processing, from potential to production, from raw materials to value-added goods, and from isolated investments to integrated industrial ecosystems. That is why this occasion matters. The commissioning of Diamond New Energy projects here in Nasarawa State represents confidence in Nigeria, in Nasarawa State, and in the revolutionary reforms set in place by the present administration. It represents confidence that Nigeria is ready to participate in the global minerals economy on terms that create jobs, build skills, strengthen local enterprises, and expand our productive base.”

According to the President, lithium has emerged as a pivotal mineral for the global energy transition, being indispensable for battery technology, electric vehicles, and renewable energy storage. He emphasized that the plant's inauguration should be seen as an integral part of a broader national industrial strategy, not just a ceremonial event. “A factory is never just a building; it is where policy becomes employment, where investment becomes production, and where hope begins to acquire structure. Every factory that opens on Nigerian soil is an act of faith in our people, our institutions, and the possibilities of this Republic,” he stated.

President Tinubu extended commendation to Governor Abdullahi Sule for positioning Nasarawa State as a leading example in extractive industry development. He acknowledged the Governor's proactive approach, stating, “Instead of waiting for opportunities to announce themselves, he has pursued them, he has cultivated them, he has built an environment in which investors can engage with confidence. Minerals may be deposited by nature, but investment is drawn by leadership, and he has shown that leadership in the past seven years of his stewardship in Nasarawa State. There can never be peace without development, and there can never be development without peace. Nasarawa State is a kaleidoscope of colors.”

In his address, Governor Abdullahi Sule expressed gratitude to all who contributed to the establishment of the lithium processing plant in Endo. He specifically thanked the Chairman and CEO of the company for their trust and investment in Nasarawa State. “I also want to use the opportunity to thank the Chairman and, indeed, the CEO of this company for believing in us, coming to Nasarawa State and believing that Nasarawa State is the destination for your investment. I say thank you, and thank you, and thank you, sir,” Governor Sule remarked.

He encouraged more investors to explore the mining sector in the state, assuring them of a favorable business climate and abundant deposits of various minerals like lead, zinc, lithium, copper, gemstones, gold, marble, and iron ore, all found in commercial quantities. He also highlighted the state's fertile land for agriculture and its strategic proximity to the Federal Capital Territory as competitive advantages for housing and industries. Addressing the local community, Governor Sule said, “I want to appreciate all those who put in an effort to make this happen. The people of Endo, I am proud of you for your patience. We must have had our fights earlier with me, but all I was fighting for was to see today, and I am here today with you. The biggest beneficiaries of this effort are you people.”

Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, affirmed that the new lithium processing plant serves as concrete proof of the Tinubu administration's effective policies aimed at promoting local value addition. He stated, “What we are doing here today is an eloquent testimony to the prophetic statement of Mr President on the one hand, and to our own commitment in the Ministry of Solid Minerals, with the cooperation of all and sundry, to developing and transforming Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.”

Alake reiterated the Federal Government's stance against the export of raw minerals without local processing, a policy designed to create jobs, expand opportunities, and cultivate local expertise. He noted, “Local value addition became a pillar of our policies in the Ministry of Solid Minerals, and I’m very happy and grateful to the operators in the sector for accepting this policy, imbibing it and implementing it, just like the Diamond Energy Group has done. And now, to show the efficacy of that policy, other African countries have latched onto it. Virtually every other African country where mining is taking place is now issuing directives against the export of raw minerals.”

The Minister expressed confidence in the collaboration with Diamond Energy Group and urged other investors to adopt the company's commitment to local processing. He outlined the nation's ambitious goals: “Our goal is to begin to produce lithium batteries, vehicles, phones, solar panels, solar-powered turbines, and every gadget that uses lithium as a base requirement for its performance. We want to produce everything in Nigeria. Diamond Energy has started, Nasarawa State has started, Nigeria remains on the go,” Alake declared.

Earlier, Yu Chongqiang, the Ambassador of JULING and CANMAX, representing Diamond New Energy, explained that the company's vision is for Nigeria to lead, not just participate in, the global minerals market through responsible development, value addition, and industrial innovation. He added, “Since commencing operations, our focus has extended well beyond mining. We have invested in advanced processing technologies, modern infrastructure, workforce development, environmental stewardship, and meaningful partnerships with governments and host communities. These investments reflect confidence in Nigeria’s potential and our commitment to creating value. The completion of our processing facilities in Ogun State and the continued expansion of our flagship lithium processing base in Nasarawa State represent important milestones in a much larger vision.” He concluded by stating that the company is building an integrated industrial platform to support local manufacturing, strengthen supply chains, and contribute to Africa's clean energy future.