President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is scheduled to inaugurate a newly completed 6,000-metric-tonne lithium processing plant in Nasarawa State, according to Governor Abdullahi Sule.

The governor disclosed this to journalists after a closed-door meeting with the President in Abuja. He explained that the facility, constructed by a Chinese investor, has been fully completed and is now ready for commissioning.

“Mr. President has assured us that once he returns from his short vacation, he will come to Nasarawa to officially open the project,” Sule said.

Highlighting the significance of the development, the governor noted that the plant marks another major step toward harnessing the economic potential of Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.

He recalled that in 2024, Nasarawa Local Government Area hosted the commissioning of a 3,000-metric-tonne lithium plant, which subsequently drew additional investors after confirming the state’s rich lithium reserves.

“Last year, we commissioned a 3,000MT facility. What we are witnessing now is the result of investor confidence. Another group of investors, encouraged by both the quality and commercial viability of Nasarawa’s lithium deposits, have successfully completed this 6,000MT plant,” Sule stated.

The governor described the project as a strategic move in Nigeria’s efforts to industrialise the solid minerals sector, reduce dependence on raw mineral exports, and establish stronger local value chains.

Lithium, a critical mineral used in rechargeable batteries for electric vehicles and renewable energy storage, is increasingly in demand worldwide.

With the completion of the new plant, Nasarawa is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s standing in the global lithium market, while generating jobs and driving economic growth in the state.