Two More Foreign Investors Set to Build Lithium Plants in Nasarawa — Gov. Sule

Governor Abdullahi Sule has revealed that two new lithium mining and processing plants will soon be established in Kokona Local Government Area of Nasarawa State as part of his administration’s industrialisation drive.

Speaking during an interview on Arise TV, monitored in Lafia, the Governor said the new facilities, located in Agwada and Amba, will bring the total number of major lithium processing plants in the state to four.

This development follows the completion of a USD 200 million lithium factory in Udege, awaiting commissioning by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and further strengthens Nasarawa’s growing reputation as a hub for solid minerals.

Governor Sule attributed the surge in investment to his administration’s policy reforms, which require mining companies to process lithium within the state rather than exporting raw minerals.

“With the lithium, it all started with the reforms which we introduced — to say that most people mining lithium in Nasarawa should also process it in Nasarawa.
This policy, issued through an executive order, got the cooperation of all investors. That led to the establishment of the first company, Avarta, which today is Nigeria’s biggest local lithium producer, producing about 3,000 metric tons daily,” he explained.

He noted that the success of the Avarta project and other early ventures attracted additional investors, leading to the new commitments for two more processing facilities.

Describing lithium as “the gold of today,” Sule highlighted its global importance in powering energy and technology industries.

On national revenue allocation, the Governor acknowledged that federal allocations to states have significantly increased, noting that Nasarawa has shifted from “borrowing and hand-to-mouth existence” to prudent financial management.

“Before 2023, we used to share between ₦590 billion and ₦630 billion nationwide. Today, that figure has gone beyond ₦2 trillion — more than triple.
Out of that, 52% goes to the Federal Government, 24% to states, and 20% to local governments. The 24% going to states has faced the most criticism, but it’s understood,” he said.

Governor Sule said his administration is utilising the increased funds to clear outstanding staff promotions, invest in health infrastructure such as CT-scan machines, and expand large-scale agriculture.

“We are into agriculture big time. We now cultivate 3,300 hectares of rice, which we’ll sell to Olam — all with our own resources, without borrowing. We even have savings now,” he added.

He further disclosed that Nasarawa has obtained federal approval to construct a flyover on the Abuja–Keffi expressway using state funds to ease traffic congestion.

Governor Sule emphasized that these initiatives — in mining, agriculture, tax automation, and infrastructure — form part of a broader vision to industrialize Nasarawa State, create jobs, and leverage its proximity to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for trade and investment.

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