Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake has called on state governments to partner the Federal government in boosting the mining sector.
Dr. Alake made the call when he hosted the Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule in his office in Abuja.
The minister emphasised that the investment of the state in the construction of a lithium factory and efforts to secure the mining environment in Nasarawa underscores the commitment of the State Government to development of the mining sector.
He stressed that partnership between the federal government and the private sector is necessary to ensure that the local value addition objective of the Tinubu administration is realised in earnest.
Alake who applauded Nasarawa state for supporting the establishment of a lithium processing facility in the state and providing an enabling environment for mining operations urged other states to take a cue from Nasarawa.
“I want to commend the governor for taking the bull by the horn and providing adequate security for mining sites. That is why we have a preponderance of peace around mining operations in Nasarawa state” he added.
“I recommend that to other state governments as well. Also worthy of commendation is the immense support the state has provided for the construction of the lithium processing factory, which is nearing completion. It will be one of the largest lithium processing factories in Nigeria”, the minister noted.
In his remarks, Gov. of Nasarawa state, Abdullahi Sule revealed that the first Lithium processing plant being constructed is almost ready for commissioning, adding that other issues that centred around insecurity in mining sites and fostering cooperation with the Federal Government for mining development prompted his parley with the Minister.
Governor Sule also stated that his government is partnering the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), for the utilization of Lithium produced by the state as a raw material for the production of solar panels, motor vehicle batteries amongst others.
“We had extensive discussions with NASENI for the use of our lithium as a raw material for their products and in the area of agriculture. I think that is one important thing that you are going to see from our Lithium processing plant. NASENI comes in to buy the pure Lithium so that they can be used in the manufacture of solar panels and motor vehicle batteries and their likes”, Gov. Sule added.
By Georgina Humphrey, Edited By Grace Namiji
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