By Palma Ileye
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transforming Nigeria’s solid minerals sector from a raw material-based industry into a globally competitive value-addition and manufacturing hub.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the commissioning of Diamond New Energy Projects in Nasarawa State, the President said Nigeria’s vast mineral resources would only translate into sustainable prosperity through industrialisation, technology, skills development and strategic partnerships.
Tinubu described the commissioning of the lithium processing projects as a strong vote of confidence in Nigeria’s economy, the reforms being implemented by his administration, and the country’s growing position in the global critical minerals value chain.
“We gather here today to affirm a direction. We gather to make a statement about the kind of economy Nigeria must become, the kind of future we must build, and the kind of partnerships we must encourage if our natural endowments are to translate into shared prosperity for our people,” he said.
The President noted that while many nations possess abundant natural resources, only those that invest in productive capacity, strong institutions and industrial development succeed in converting those resources into lasting wealth.
According to him, Nigeria must move beyond exporting raw minerals to processing and manufacturing value-added products that create jobs, build local expertise and strengthen the nation’s industrial base.
He said the Diamond New Energy Projects represent confidence in Nigeria, Nasarawa State and the administration’s economic reforms, adding that the investment demonstrates growing investor belief in the country’s long-term economic prospects.
Tinubu said his administration’s reforms are designed to create a stable and predictable environment for investment, stressing that the objective is to build an economy driven by productivity, competitiveness and sustainable growth.
He described the solid minerals sector as a strategic pillar of Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda, noting that lithium has become one of the world’s most important minerals because of its critical role in battery technology, electric vehicles and renewable energy storage.
“Nigeria must not be content with being a warehouse of unprocessed minerals. We must become a workshop of value. We must become a hub of industrial activity,” he declared.
The President commended the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, for driving reforms aimed at repositioning the sector, restoring investor confidence and ensuring Nigeria derives greater value from its mineral wealth.
He also praised Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule for creating an enabling environment that has positioned the state as one of Nigeria’s leading mining investment destinations.
According to Tinubu, while mineral deposits are provided by nature, attracting investment depends on visionary leadership, sound policies and productive partnerships.
The President congratulated the management of Diamond New Energy for investing in Nigeria’s industrial future, describing the project as timely and strategic.
He welcomed continued Chinese investment that supports industrialisation, technology transfer, local content development and job creation, stressing that bilateral cooperation should be measured not only by trade volumes but also by factories established, technologies transferred and Nigerians trained.
Addressing host communities, Tinubu assured them that the Federal Government remains committed to ensuring responsible mining practices that protect the environment, respect traditional institutions and deliver tangible economic benefits to local residents.
He urged communities to continue supporting lawful investors, saying sustainable development requires cooperation among government, investors and host communities.
The President further described the commissioning as part of Nigeria’s broader economic transformation, insisting that factories are more than physical structures because they convert policy into employment, investment into production and geological resources into industrial growth.
He called on global investors to take advantage of Nigeria’s improving investment climate, saying the country is open to responsible investment and determined to build a more stable, productive and competitive economy.
“As we commission these projects today, what must endure are the jobs created, the skills transferred, the local businesses empowered, the communities strengthened, the confidence inspired and the new investments attracted,” he said.
On behalf of President Tinubu, Vice President Shettima formally commissioned the Diamond New Energy Projects, expressing optimism that the investment would inspire similar projects across the country and further establish Nasarawa State as a destination for responsible mining and industrial development.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, said the government’s objective was to ensure that Nigerian minerals support domestic industries while providing opportunities for geologists, mining engineers, metallurgists, chemists and technicians, adding that the nation’s mineral wealth should ultimately translate into improved quality of life for citizens.
Alake said sustainable mining development requires strong collaboration among government, investors and host communities, noting that countries with successful mining sectors achieved growth through clear government policies, long-term private sector investments and community participation.
He commended the Nasarawa State Government for its productive partnership with the ministry, stressing that responsible mining development thrives on cooperation rather than competition between the federal and State governments.
The Minister also praised the growing partnership between Nigeria and the People’s Republic of China in the mining sector, expressing optimism that future investments would place greater emphasis on technology transfer, local procurement, skills development and the training of Nigerian professionals.
He urged investors to uphold environmental standards and honour their obligations to host communities, while calling on communities to safeguard legitimate investments capable of creating jobs and economic opportunities.
According to him, the increasing confidence of investors reflects the broader economic reforms being implemented by the administration of President Bola Tinubu, which have created a more predictable environment for investment.
Alake said the commissioning of the Diamond New Energy facilities sends a strong signal to the international investment community that Nigeria welcomes responsible investors committed to creating value locally, as he expressed confidence that the projects would boost employment, industrial growth and strengthen Nigeria’s position as a leading destination for responsible mining investment in Africa.
