The Federal Government has unveiled plans to establish an indigenous lithium battery factory.

This move is designed to reduce Nigeria’s dependency on foreign production and foster the local manufacturing of vital energy storage components.

Minister of Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, announced this during an official visit to the Technology Incubation Centre in Agege, Lagos, on Thursday.

The minister’s tour included an inspection of the facilities at the hub, following an earlier visit to the Federal Institute of Industrial Research in Oshodi, Lagos.

Speaking with journalists, the minister said, “I just visited the Federal Institute of Industrial Research in Oshodi, Lagos, and now the Technology Incubation Centre in Agege. I’m observing a significant incubation of industrialists in this space.

“They’ve trained over 1,000 individuals—bringing them in, providing training, incubating them, and then facilitating their transition to their respective businesses. This process has resulted in the emergence of numerous millionaires,.”

The minister disclosed that under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, there’s an acknowledgment that more needs to be accomplished.

He stated that all ministers are driven by the directive, emphasizing the need for heightened efforts across agencies and job creation.

“People should just cool down. In my ministry alone, considering the projects on the ground, people will have reasons to smile. For the first time in this country, we are establishing a lithium battery factory in Nigeria.

“No longer will other countries come, extract our raw lithium, manufacture it abroad, and then bring the finished products back here. We are putting a stop to that. Plans are underway to establish a lithium processing factory within Nigeria and a lithium repurposing factory. Very soon, Nigeria will start seeing results,” he added.

Various business groups, including the Nigeria Association of Small-Scale Industrialists and the Nigeria Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture, were present during the official visit to Agege.

The minister revealed the President’s plans to establish a Research and Development Fund.

He clarified that the R&D Fund aims to support experts and individuals excelling in technology to advance their research, a crucial element for development.

Nnaji emphasized the pivotal role of the Ministry of Science and Technology in Nigeria’s economic development.

“With a president from the private sector, there’s a serious commitment to generating power, even leveraging solar energy. Just last week, during a visit to the Abuja Technology Village with the FCT Minister, we discussed transforming it into a global technology city, comparable to Silicon Valley,” he added.

The Director-General of the National Board for Technology Incubation, Patricia Chukwu, said the Technology Incubation Centre in Lagos stands as a testament to the commitment to nurturing and empowering bright minds in society.

Chukwu remarked that it serves as a hub where ideas flourish, dreams take shape, and innovations come to life.

She noted that technology plays a pivotal role in addressing pressing issues such as climate change, and health concerns, and enhancing digital connectivity.

“It is undeniable that in the swiftly changing landscape of today’s world, progress heavily relies on technological advancements.

“Whether in artificial intelligence, renewable energy, biotechnology, or blockchain, the potential is boundless. Yet, to actualize these opportunities fully, we must adopt a culture that champions innovation, collaboration, and entrepreneurship,” the DG stated. (The PUNCH)

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