Governor Abdallahi Sule of Nasarawa, has revealed that China’s interest in Nigeria’s lithium is driven by the country’s recognition as a leader in the West African market.
A Chinese company is investing in two lithium mining and processing facilities in Nasarawa State.
Governor Sule, said this when he featured as a guest on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics.
He explained that China’s focus on Nigeria was due to the country’s large population and growing economy.
“China is actually now in a clean energy revolution.They are looking at Nigeria as an undisputed leader when it comes to the West African market.
”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,” he said.
Governor Sule believed that lithium, largely deposited in Nasarawa State and other parts of the country, could replace oil as the main source of revenue for Nigeria.
“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.
The governor noted that the lithium companies would provide employment opportunities for indigenes of the state, adding that the number of jobs might not be as large as those generated by the agricultural sector.
He however, emphasised that the experience gained by individuals employed in these companies would significantly contribute to the state’s development and overall economic growth.
