Nasarawa State has positioned itself as Nigeria”s leading center for lithium mining and processing, with investments in the sector reaching $850 million, according to Engr. Prof. Mohammed Sani Haruna, the former Executive Vice Chairman of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure, NASENI. He made this announcement during a lecture entitled “The Socio-Economic Importance of Lithium Mining and Processing for Nasarawa State Development” at the 2025 Engineering Week and Dinner/Award Night hosted by the Nigerian Society of Engineers, NSE, in Lafia.
Prof. Haruna attributed this significant achievement to the visionary leadership of Governor Abdullahi Sule, describing the state”s lithium initiative as “the single biggest leap in the state”s industrial history.” He commended Governor Sule”s forward-thinking approach, noting that his emphasis on value addition, technology domestication, and collaboration with the private sector has transformed Nasarawa into a model for resource-based industrialization in Nigeria.
“Nasarawa is no longer merely a raw mineral exporter. The establishment of lithium processing facilities has enabled the state to export refined products, generate employment, and enhance the technical skills of its residents,” Haruna stated.
He highlighted the substantial investments from companies such as Ganfeng Lithium Company Limited, Avatar New Energy Materials Co. Ltd, Can Max Technologies Ltd, and Jiu Ling Lithium Mining Company Ltd, which collectively exceed $850 million. “This unprecedented investment marks a new era in the industrial development of Nasarawa,” he added.
The professor emphasized that the lithium boom is already positively impacting local communities. “The arrival of these factories has led to the construction of new roads, improvements in electricity and water supply, and stimulated small business ventures in areas like Endo and Gudi,” he noted.
Prof. Haruna also praised the collaboration between Governor Sule and NASENI, which resulted in the establishment of the Solid Mineral Machinery and Equipment Development Institute in Nasarawa town, aimed at fostering local technology. “This synergy between governance and engineering innovation is crucial for the future,” he remarked.
He revealed that the Nasarawa State Government is expected to receive $15 million over ten years from Ganfeng Mining Company Limited as part of a revenue-sharing agreement, with the Endo community set to benefit from $500,000 in local development funds. “This partnership not only brings financial resources but also facilitates knowledge transfer and opportunities,” Haruna explained, adding that over 100 citizens from Nasarawa are currently receiving training in lithium refining in China.
Discussing the broader implications of lithium, he pointed out that its applications extend beyond batteries to renewable energy, ceramics, pharmaceuticals, and aerospace technologies. “In the next decade, lithium will be as essential as crude oil once was,” he asserted.
Prof. Haruna urged engineers in Nasarawa to support a successor to Governor Sule who possesses a strong technical background, warning that electing a leader without engineering expertise could jeopardize the state”s progress. “It would be a significant setback to hand over the leadership of Nasarawa to someone lacking in engineering knowledge. The next governor must be an individual who understands technology and industry,” he stated.
He characterized Sule”s administration as a “product of knowledge, integrity, prudence, and patriotic engineering,” emphasizing the need for continuity to sustain the achievements of the lithium revolution. “I call upon all members of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, the scientific community, and advocates for progress to safeguard this legacy and ensure that Nasarawa remains under capable leadership,” he concluded.
Engr. Rachel Serumum Ugye, representing the National President of NSE, Engr. Margaret Aina Oguntola, expressed appreciation for the organization”s role in fostering professional excellence across the nation. She also acknowledged Governor Sule”s support and collaboration with NSE in Nasarawa State. The upcoming annual conference of NSE, which is expected to draw over 6,000 professionals from across the country, has already attracted interest from various government agencies.
Earlier, the Chairman of NSE Lafia Branch, Engr. Simon Obagu, thanked Governor Sule for creating an environment conducive to attracting investors to the state.
