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Elder Statesman, Alhaji Hon Sule Koku Commends Governor Sule Over Expansion Of Lithium Investments In Nasarawa

Elder statesman and former Commissioner for Cooperative and Community Development, Alhaji Sule Koku, has commended Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule, the Executive Governor of Nasarawa State for his visionary leadership and deliberate efforts in expanding the investment potential of the state, particularly in the solid minerals sector.

Reacting to the Governor’s recent announcement that two new lithium mining and processing plants will be established in Kokona Local Government Area, Koku said the development further underscores Nasarawa’s growing reputation as a new frontier for industrial and mineral-driven growth in Nigeria.

Governor Sule, who made the disclosure during an Arise TV interview monitored in Lafia on Monday, revealed that the new plants in Agwada and Amba will bring the total number of major lithium processing facilities in the state to four.

Alhaji Koku noted that these achievements are a direct result of Governor Sule’s sound policy direction, reform-oriented governance style, and deliberate efforts in creating a secure and investment-friendly environment for investors. “The Governor has done remarkably well by ensuring that lithium mined in Nasarawa is also processed within the state. This forward-thinking policy has not only attracted investors but has earned their trust and confidence, resulting in over a billion dollars worth of investments in the lithium value chain,” Koku said.

He particularly praised the establishment of Avarta New Energy Materials Ltd, a lithium mining and processing processing company, located in Kama -Otto, Udege Development Area, which had been Nigeria’s largest local producer with a daily output of about 3,000 metric tons, describing it as a game-changer in the nation’s industrial landscape. However, Koku added that a new, even larger facility, Ganfeng Lithium Industry Ltd, whose processing Plant, located in Endo, Udege Development Area, is nearing completion and almost ready for commissioning. Upon commencement of operations, Ganfeng will become the largest lithium processing plant in Nigeria, surpassing Avarta in production capacity and scale.

According to the elder statesman, Governor Sule’s economic blueprint—which prioritizes value addition, job creation, and industrialization—is yielding tangible results across key sectors, including mining, agriculture, and infrastructure. He emphasized that the Governor’s commitment to strengthening security across mineral-rich communities and his determination to leverage Nasarawa’s mineral potential while ensuring clear, investor-friendly policies have made the state a model for responsible resource development.

“Under Governor Sule, Nasarawa has transformed from a largely civil service economy to an emerging industrial hub. His insistence on local processing is not only saving foreign exchange but is also creating employment and boosting the state’s internally generated revenue,” Koku added.

He also lauded the Governor’s commitment to transparency and fiscal prudence, as reflected in his handling of increased federal allocations. The Governor had earlier explained that despite a rise in monthly federal allocations to states, Nasarawa has maintained a culture of savings and investment rather than borrowing, channeling resources into infrastructure, agriculture, and healthcare development.

The elder statesman called on other state governors to emulate Governor Sule’s approach, emphasizing that Nigeria’s path to sustainable economic growth lies in production, local value addition, and private sector partnership, not endless dependence on federal allocations.

“I urge other governors to take a cue from the Nasarawa experience. What Governor Sule is doing with lithium and agriculture is a model for economic transformation. If every state develops its mineral and agricultural potential the way Nasarawa is doing, Nigeria will save forex, create millions of jobs, and strengthen its industrial base,” Koku stressed.

He further commended ongoing efforts by the Nasarawa State Government to decongest the Abuja–Keffi expressway through the construction of a new flyover, describing it as a bold infrastructure initiative that reflects the Governor’s foresight in addressing urban mobility and trade facilitation.

Koku concluded by expressing optimism that Nasarawa’s steady rise as Nigeria’s “home of solid minerals and industrial opportunities” will continue to inspire confidence among investors and development partners in the years ahead.