*Photo: Gov. Abdullahi A. Sule*
Governor of Nasarawa State, Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule, has given insight into how his administration has been positively impacting on the state’s mining sector.
Speaking on Sunday, 16th November, 2025 in Gbongan, Osun State, Governor Sule explained how a lot of companies are being attracted to bring in resources and technology into the Nasarawa State Mining Sector.
According to him, “In the area of mining, what we did was to come up with a law, an Executive Order, to say that anybody that is mining in Nasarawa State must also process in Nasarawa State.
” With that, we were able to get a lot of companies, they may not be Nigerians, but they are companies that are bringing their technology and their resources to do the mining. I’m sure you must have heard already that today Nasarawa State has the biggest lithium processing facility in the country.
” And with the hope and the support of Mr. President and my dear brother, Dele Alake, we are now completed and waiting for commissioning by Mr. President for the 6,000 metric tons per day lithium facility, which will be the biggest in West Africa. This is how we approach our economy for us.
” And I believe every state should pick area of competitive advantage and focus on it.
“It is our responsibility, all of us together. By the grace of God, once we do that, we will be able to succeed in this country.”
Gov. Abdullahi A. Sule spoke while delivering the keynote address at the 10th General Assembly of the Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN), held at the Bola Babalakin Hall,Gbongan, Osun State.
Nasarawa State has indeed recorded giant strides under his administration.
Since he assumed office in 2019, the state has shifted from being a mere custodian of untapped mineral wealth to a dynamic hub of investment, innovation, and sustainable development. With deposits of lithium, barite, cassiterite, and other critical minerals, Nasarawa’s journey reflects a deliberate strategy to harness these resources for inclusive growth, job creation, and national contribution.
The sector’s evolution under Sule’s administration stands as a testament to strategic reforms, bold partnerships, and unwavering commitment to value addition.
Policy Reforms: Laying the Foundation for Sustainable Growth
Governor Sule’s administration hit the ground running with comprehensive reforms aimed at addressing longstanding challenges in the mining sector, including illegal operations, environmental degradation, and value erosion through raw exports. A cornerstone policy mandates that investors establish local processing facilities before exporting minerals, ensuring that beneficiation occurs within Nasarawa. This forward-thinking approach has not only curbed illicit activities but also positioned the state as an attractive destination for global players.
The impact has been profound. In 2025 alone, Nasarawa attracted over $800 million in solid minerals investments, with the state’s annual revenue from the sector surging from ₦6 billion to ₦38 billion within a single year.
This leap underscores the efficacy of Sule’s blueprint, which emphasizes community engagement, environmental safeguards, and infrastructure development.
For instance, the state has secured its first-ever signature bonus in mining, unlocking $4 million for business-enabling reforms—a milestone that enhances regulatory frameworks and investor confidence.
Lithium Revolution: From Deposits to Processing Powerhouse
At the epicenter of Nasarawa’s mineral renaissance is lithium, often dubbed the “white gold” of the green energy era. Recognized as hosting Nigeria’s largest lithium reserves, the state has leveraged this asset to become a frontrunner in the global supply chain for electric vehicle batteries and renewable energy technologies. Governor Sule’s proactive diplomacy and policy incentives have drawn multimillion-dollar commitments from international firms.
A landmark achievement came in September 2025, when President Bola Tinubu commissioned Nigeria’s largest lithium processing plant in Lafia, boasting a capacity of 6,000 metric tonnes annually.
Built by Avatar New Energy Materials Company Limited, a Chinese firm with a $500 million turnover, the facility is projected to mine sufficient lithium for 15-20 years, creating thousands of direct and indirect jobs.
Not stopping there, Sule announced in November 2025 the establishment of two additional lithium processing plants in Kokona Local Government Area, further solidifying Nasarawa’s status as the nation’s lithium hub.
These initiatives are bolstered by strategic investments, including a $200 million infusion from Jiuling Lithium for a state-of-the-art factory in January 2025 and an $850 million lithium deal catalyzed by the local processing mandate.
As Governor Sule noted during a recent investor forum, these projects are not just about extraction but about fostering industrial ecosystems that support ancillary sectors like manufacturing and logistics.
Economic Ripple Effects: Jobs, Revenue, and Community Empowerment
The strides in solid minerals have transcended mining sites, igniting broader economic vitality. From January to August 2025, the Nasarawa Internal Revenue Service generated ₦16.5 billion, with mining contributing significantly alongside other streams. This has funded infrastructure, education, and healthcare, directly benefiting rural communities often marginalized in resource-rich areas.
Employment generation is another highlight: the new lithium plants alone are expected to create over 10,000 jobs upon completion, empowering youth and women through skills training programs.
Sule’s administration has also tackled security challenges head-on, collaborating with federal agencies to protect mining sites. This has restored investor trust and aligned with President Tinubu’s directive to end nationwide insecurity by year-end, paving the way for unchecked sector expansion.
Forging Global and National Partnerships
Governor Sule’s diplomatic acumen has been instrumental in scaling these achievements. In June 2025, he hosted the Polish Ambassador to Nigeria, forging ties in solid minerals alongside agriculture and education. Domestically, frequent engagements with Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, have yielded fruits, including hosting the 6th National Council on Mining and Mineral Resources in Nasarawa.
These collaborations extend to the federal level, where Sule’s advocacy for a mutually beneficial federal-state partnership in mineral development has influenced national policy. His efforts earned him the prestigious “Governor of the Year for Solid Minerals Development” award at the 2024 Daily Independent Awards, recognizing his role in elevating Nasarawa from obscurity to prominence.
A Blueprint for Nigeria’s Mineral Future
As Nasarawa State closes 2025 on a high note—with ongoing talks for further investments, including from the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission—Governor Abdullahi A. Sule’s administration offers a replicable model for Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.
By prioritizing local value addition, sustainable practices, and inclusive growth, Sule has not only unlocked billions in potential but also empowered a generation. The road ahead promises even greater horizons: expanded processing capacities, deeper international alliances, and a Nasarawa that leads Africa’s mineral revolution.
In the words of the governor himself, “We are not just mining minerals; we are mining opportunities for our people.”
Under Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule’s
stewardship, Nasarawa’s solid minerals sector is no longer a sleeping giant—it’s wide awake, striding boldly into a prosperous tomorrow and truly deserving its appellation as the “Home of Solid Minerals”.
