By Olaide Ajibola, JKNMedia Reporter
NIGERIA’s President Bola Tinubu has revealed the nation’s ambition to become a leading producer of solar technologies for Africa.
The announcement came during a meeting in Abuja with Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State, alongside Mr. Hi Yongwei, Chairman of Avatar New Energy Materials Company Limited, and Mr. Zhenhua Pei, Chairman of Canmax Technologies.
Tinubu advocated for increased collaboration between China and Nigeria to dominate Africa’s solar panel market and the West African sub-region.
Commending the inauguration of Nigeria’s largest lithium processing plant in Lafia, Nasarawa State, Tinubu highlighted the country’s attractiveness for foreign investment.
He urged Chinese firms to prioritize environmental protection, community engagement, and corporate social responsibility in their operations.
Tinubu expressed confidence in Nigeria’s potential to produce solar panels and batteries locally, citing the country’s skilled workforce, vibrant economy, and growing consumption capacity.
The President emphasized the importance of cooperation and community welfare in mining operations, urging companies to leave a positive impact on host communities.
In response, Governor Sule thanked President Tinubu for his support toward solid mineral development in Nigeria and highlighted the promising potential for lithium mining in Nasarawa State.
Mr. Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals, outlined proactive measures to address risks posed by abandoned mines and promote local value across the mining value chain. He emphasized the government’s commitment to indigenous participation and economic empowerment in the mining sector.
The Chinese executives described their investments in Nigeria as valuable and pledged to adhere to mining regulations while fulfilling their corporate social responsibilities to host communities. Avatar and Canmax Technologies have contributed significantly to Nigeria’s lithium processing capacity and announced further investments in the sector.
