Shettima flags off Nigeria’s biggest lithium processing plant in Nasarawa

Vice President Kashim Shettima on Thursday commissioned what the federal government described as Nigeria’s biggest lithium processing plant in Nasarawa State, saying the country must move beyond exporting raw minerals to building industries that create jobs and add value to its natural resources.

Representing President Bola Tinubu at the inauguration of the Diamond New Energy lithium processing facility, Shettima said the project demonstrates growing investor confidence in Nigeria and the administration’s economic reforms.

“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 this administration,” the Vice President said.

He added that the investment shows 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.”

Shettima said Nigeria’s abundant deposits of lithium, gold, tin, iron ore and other minerals would only translate into economic prosperity if the country prioritises processing and manufacturing instead of exporting raw materials.

“What changes a nation is the deliberate movement from extraction to processing, from potential to production, from raw materials to value-added goods,” he said.

According to him, the solid minerals sector occupies a strategic place in the Federal Government’s economic agenda as the global transition to clean energy and emerging technologies continues to increase demand for critical minerals.

He also praised Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule for creating an investment-friendly environment that attracted the project.