Governor Abdallahi Sule of Nasarawa State has disclosed that China’s interest in Nigeria’s lithium stems from its recognition of the country as a leader in the West African market.
A Chinese company is building two lithium mining and processing facilities in Nasarawa State, and Governor Sule, who was a guest on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, explained why the Chinese are focusing on Nigeria.
“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,” Governor Sule said.
While many believe that the relevance of oil which is Nigeria’s main source of income won’t take long to dwindle, Governor Sule believes that lithium which is largely deposited in Nasarawa State and some other parts of the country can replace oil as the main source of revenue for the country.
“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,” he said.
While noting that the lithium companies will provide employment for indigenes of the state, Governor Sule acknowledged, however, that the number of jobs may not be as large as those generated by the agricultural sector.
However, the governor stated that the experience gained by individuals employed in these companies will significantly contribute to the state’s development and overall economic growth.
