President Bola Tinubu officially opened a facility that the federal government called West Africa's biggest lithium processing plant located in Nasarawa State, which can process 6,000 metric tons per day and three million metric tons annually.
Tinubu officially opened the facility in the Endo village, within the Nasarawa Local Government Area, on Thursday.
Our reporter found out that the company has created over 1,000 direct positions and additional more than 2,000 indirect roles since starting activities in the region.
Led by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu stated that solid minerals continue to be the fundamental pillar of every economy since technological advancement cannot succeed without them, which explains why his government has placed high importance on this sector.
Nevertheless, he cautioned that countries do not achieve greatness merely because nature has provided them with abundant resources, but rather because they transform these resources into economic success via diligence, innovation, technological advancement, expertise, and effective industrial management.
Throughout the globe, countries endowed with minerals, oil, natural gas, arable land, and advantageous geographical positions continue to experience poverty due to their inability to transform these assets into effective production capabilities, whereas regions possessing significantly fewer benefits have achieved international recognition through diligence, innovation, technological advancement, expertise, and efficient manufacturing systems.
"Natural resources might be a gift, yet only through foresight can they become valuable assets. It is solely through institutions that this value can be safeguarded. Industry has the power to increase it, and ultimately, it is the people who imbue it with significance," he stated.
He mentioned that discussions at the national level have centered around the resources under Nigeria's surface, specifically highlighting gold, lithium, tin, iron ore, bitumen, coal, and rare earth minerals.
But arrogance doesn't establish manufacturing plants. Data alone can't generate employment opportunities, nor do geological charts improve the circumstances of Nigerian youth. The true transformation of a country comes about through an intentional shift from extracting resources to refining them, from possibilities to actual output, from basic commodities to products with added worth, and from standalone projects to cohesive industrial systems.
That is why this event holds significance. The initiation of Diamond New Energy initiatives within Nasarawa State reflects trust in Nigeria, in Nasarawa State, and in the transformative changes implemented by the current government.
"It reflects assurance that Nigeria is prepared to engage in the worldwide mineral economy under conditions that generate employment, develop expertise, enhance local businesses, and increase our production capacity," he stated.
As stated by the president, lithium has emerged as one of the key minerals driving the worldwide shift toward sustainable energy, playing a crucial role in battery development, electric transportation, and storing power from renewable sources.
He stated that the opening of the facility should be seen as part of an extensive nationwide industrial initiative, not just a formal ceremony.
“A factory is never just a building; it is where policy becomes employment, where investment becomes production, and where hope begins to acquire structure. Every factory that opens on Nigerian soil is an act of faith in our people, our institutions, and the possibilities of this Republic,” he said.
The leader commended Governor Abdullahi Sule for placing Nasarawa as an example of progress in the extraction sector.
Rather than remaining idle until chances present themselves, he has actively sought them out, nurtured them, and created a setting where investors can participate with assurance.
"Minerals might be laid down by natural forces, yet investments are attracted through strong leadership, which he has demonstrated over the last seven years during his administration in Nasarawa State. Peace cannot exist without progress, and progress is impossible without peace. Nasarawa State is like a vibrant mosaic of hues," he stated.
During his speech, Governor Abdullahi Sule praised everyone involved in setting up the lithium processing facility in the Endo area.
"I would like to take this chance to express my gratitude to the Chairman and, more importantly, the CEO of this company for having faith in us, visiting Nasarawa State, and recognizing that Nasarawa State is the ideal location for your investment. I sincerely say thank you, and again thank you, and once more thank you, sir," he stated.
He encouraged potential investors in the mining industry to put their funds into the state, promising them an encouraging business climate along with rich reserves of lead, zinc, lithium, copper, precious stones, gold, marble, and iron ore.
They occur in commercially significant amounts within Nasarawa State. We also have rich soil suitable for farming activities. Our location near the Federal Capital Territory serves as a key advantage for residential areas and manufacturing sectors.
"I would like to thank everyone who worked hard to bring this about. The residents of Endo, I am proud of your perseverance. There may have been conflicts between us before, but my sole aim was to witness this day, and now I stand here with you. You are the greatest ones to benefit from these efforts," he stated.
The head of the Ministry for Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, stated that the opening of the lithium processing facility highlighted the success of President Tinubu's initiatives focused on enhancing local economic value.
"The actions we are taking today serve as a powerful affirmation of the president's visionary remarks, as well as our dedication within the Ministry of Solid Minerals, working together with everyone involved, to advance and reshape Nigeria's solid minerals industry," he stated.
He stated that the federal government will stop allowing the export of unprocessed minerals, as part of initiatives aimed at generating employment, increasing prospects, and building domestic skills.
Enhancing local value was established as a key component of our strategies within the Ministry of Solid Minerals, and I am truly pleased and thankful to the industry players for embracing and executing this approach, much like the Diamond Energy Group has successfully implemented.
"And now, to demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach, other African nations have adopted it. Almost all other African countries where mining activities are occurring are currently implementing instructions prohibiting the export of unprocessed minerals," he stated.
Alake showed faith in the collaboration with Diamond Energy Group and encouraged other investors to follow the company's dedication to domestic processing.
Our objective is to start manufacturing lithium batteries, cars, mobile devices, solar panels, solar-driven turbines, and all electronic items that require lithium as an essential component for their operation.
"We aim to manufacture all our products within Nigeria. Diamond Energy has commenced operations, as have efforts in Nasarawa State; Nigeria continues to move forward," he stated.
Previously, Yu Chongqiang, the Ambassador of JULING and CANMAX, spoke on behalf of Diamond New Energy, stating that the company was established with the conviction that Nigeria ought to go beyond just engaging in the global minerals trade and instead take the forefront by promoting sustainable practices, enhancing added value, and driving technological advancement.
From the start of our operations, our attention has gone far beyond just mining. We have allocated resources towards cutting-edge processing methods, up-to-date facilities, training for employees, responsible environmental management, and strong collaborations with government bodies and local communities.
"These investments demonstrate faith in Nigeria's capabilities and our dedication to generating returns. Finalizing our processing plants in Ogun State and expanding our main lithium processing site in Nasarawa State mark significant steps toward an overarching plan," he stated.
He mentioned that the company is developing an interconnected industrial framework designed to support domestic production, enhance supply networks, and aid Africa's transition toward renewable energy.
Supplied by SyndiGate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).