African ministers laud establishment of lithium processing coy in Abuja

African ministers have lauded the establishment of a lithium processing plant by Asba and Wisdom International Group, in the Wasa District of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The ministers gave the commendation during an official tour of the plant on Wednesday, as part of activities marking the 2025 African Natural Resources and Energy Investment Summit (AFNIS).

Speaking on their behalf, Hassan Joho, Kenya’s Minister for Mining, Blue Economy, Shipping, and Maritime Affairs, described the plant as a proof of Nigeria’s determination to put its mineral value chain plans into concrete action.

Joho noted that Africa has been pushing for value addition to its minerals to maximise the benefits from its resources, especially since it possesses the critical minerals needed for the energy transition.

“It gives me a lot of pride that i have been able to visit a site that does exactly as the conversation in the continent today, in creating an ecosystem that is supportive of our extractions.

“So the most critical conversation is that there is a shift from exporting our raw ore into some processed products, “ he said.

He described the inspection of the site as evidence that value addition can be done through the establishment of processing companies.

According to him, Africa’s minerals value chain discussions are creating an ecosystem that shifts focus from raw ore exports to local processing.

He added that the ministers were in Abuja to discuss how Africa can work together to develop the continent, emphasising that no one else will do it for them.

“And we must be able to lead from the front.

“We must create wealth that remains here where the extraction happens.

According to him, Africa governments are determined to support policies that facilitates its development.

“We (Africa governments) shall create support infrastructure, support systems, support frameworks, support legislation, so that wealth remains in the continent.

“So, Nigeria is doing a great job and I am happy that I took time to visit,“ he said.

He said Kenya was on the same trajectory and, while still at an early stage, has vast deposits.

He added that they had finished their aerial geophysical survey and now know the locations of these resources.

Earlier, Olajide Odesola, Deputy Director of Investment, Promotion and Mineral Trade Department of the Ministry of Solid Minerals and Development said that one of the key priorities of President Bola Tinubu was to bring investment to Nigeria.

Odesola said the tour was designed to provide the minsters with a first-hand experience of how Nigeria has attracted investors in recent times through its reform policies.

“This is like a practical company for them to see, not what they read on the papers,” he said.

According to him, the government has put in place structures for the smooth the take-off and growth of businesses.

He rated the local content of the lithium company at 80 per cent, explaining that Nigerians manage the plants entirely, with foreign expertise brought in solely for technical operations.

In his remarks, the President of Absa group, Adamu Husaini, said that the plant has more than 512 cadastral units, with no fewer than 40 tunnels.

Hussaini said that the company was formerly exporting its raw materials to China, but with the value addition policy of the Federal Government, it has transitioned to processing lithium to Electric vehicle (EV) batteries.

He said that the company whose ground breaking ceremony was held in 2024, would soon commence full operations and subsequent export of its products.

NAN