The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) is urging international investors, particularly from China, to collaborate with the agency in setting up lithium battery factories and producing renewable energy sources within Nigeria.
Dr. Bashir Gwandu, the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of NASENI, made this appeal during a meeting with a business delegation from LEMI Technology Shenzhen, China, at NASENI headquarters in Abuja. Dr. Gwandu emphasized the importance of localizing the production of lithium batteries and other capital goods for electric vehicles and renewable energy systems to reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imports and strengthen the country’s foreign exchange.
NASENI has already made progress in solar panel production and plans to expand into solar cell manufacturing. The agency is actively seeking partnerships with international companies to support the local production of lithium-based end-products in Nigeria.
Additionally, NASENI is collaborating with the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) to promote the development and manufacturing of electric vehicles and the conversion of existing vehicles to electric ones. The agency is also discussing the establishment of electric vehicle charging stations with various stakeholders.
Dr. Gwandu invited foreign businesses to consider establishing their operations in Nigeria and assured them of a favorable business climate. He emphasized that NASENI is willing to cooperate with companies interested in setting up plants for the production of lithium batteries and encouraged them to comply with safety and environmental regulations.
LEMI Technology expressed its willingness to invest in Nigeria and collaborate with NASENI in renewable energy production. The company’s founder, Ms. Joyce Chen, highlighted the strong business prospects in Nigeria and the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and China. LEMI Technology has been operating in Nigeria since 2018, providing renewable energy products to thousands of Nigerian households.
NASENI’s mandate covers various capital goods categories, including engineering materials, industrial and analytical chemical materials, scientific equipment, engineering designs, and power equipment. The agency aims to promote local manufacturing, research, and reverse engineering in these areas.
Dr. Gwandu stressed the importance of Nigeria processing its raw lithium materials and becoming a leader in battery manufacturing. He urged companies to take advantage of the opportunity and transform raw materials into finished products within the country.
NASENI is committed to supporting investors and promoting government legislation that restricts the export of raw lithium materials, encouraging the establishment of end-product production in Nigeria. The agency aims to attract manufacturers in various sectors, including renewable energy and aerospace industries, to leverage Nigeria’s available raw materials and market potential.
The meeting with LEMI Technology marks the beginning of discussions on local production of lithium batteries and other products in the photovoltaics value chain.
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