Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, has revealed that
China’s interest in Nigeria’s lithium stems from its recognition of the country
as a leader in the West African market.
This is as a Chinese company is building two lithium mining
and processing facilities in Nasarawa State.
Governor Sule disclosed this in an interview on Channels
Television’s Sunday Politics, explaining why the Chinese are focusing on
Nigeria.
“China is actually now in a clean energy revolution, that is
what is happening and China is getting ready to invest a multi-billion dollar
in Africa, and in Africa they decided to focus on Nigeria.
“With all the things that are being said they are focusing
on Nigeria, why are they focusing on Nigeria? They are looking at Nigeria as an
undisputed leader when it comes to the West African market, for instance.
“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.
According to him, lithium which is largely deposited in
Nasarawa State and some other parts of the country can replace oil as the main
source of revenue for the country.
“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 added.
Governor Sule, while noting that the lithium companies will
provide employment for indigenes of the state, acknowledged, however, that the
number of jobs may not be as large as those generated by the agricultural
sector.
He stated further that the experience gained by individuals
employed in these companies will significantly contribute to the state’s
development and overall economic growth.
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