Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State Nigeria has revealed that the first Lithium processing plant being constructed in the state is almost ready for commissioning.
He however said rhe other issues being tackled to ensure the plant come on stream at the appointed date centre around insecurity at mining sites and fostering cooperation with the Federal Government for mining development.
He told the minister of solid minerals development, Dele Alake Monday in Abuja that Nasarawa government is grateful for the support it received from the Federal Government towards the establishment of the lithium processing facility in the state and providing an enabling environment for mining operations.
The minister had earlier noted that the investment of the state in the construction of the lithium factory and efforts to secure the mining environment in Nasarawa underscores the commitment of the state government to mining sector development.
Alake then urged other states to take a cue from Nasarawa.
The minister also emphasised that partnerships with the federal government and private sector are paramount to ensure that the local value-addition objective of the Tinubu administration is realised, in earnest.
The governor also hinted at collaboration with 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, and motor vehicle batteries among others.