Kwara State has recorded at least two foreign investments worth $35m, in what underscored Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s drive for industrialization and economic growth in the state.
This development was confirmed in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mal. Rafiu Ajakaye and obtained by 9japarrot media on Wednesday.
Speaking during a meeting with the Governor on Tuesday, Sun Qing Rong, team lead of ER-KANG, revealed that the lithium plant is already operational. Crucially, the facility focuses on value addition, processing raw lithium into ready materials for the market rather than exporting crude ore.
He said the firm has more than 300 employees, who are mostly Kwarans, saying the plants process lithium into ready materials, instead of exporting it raw without any value addition.
He said the firm is also setting up a pharmaceutical company in Kwara State valued at more than $15m, adding that the firm will also be partnering with the state government on the industrial park.
“This is one of the fruits of the meeting that we held with Your Excellency in Beijing about two years ago. Today, we have completed the lithium plant and it is up and running. And this year, we are starting the pharmaceutical company with the help of Your Excellency,” he said.
“The factory will include two phases of construction for large infusion and small volume injection workshops, which will make up for the shortage of such products in the Nigerian market. At present, the relevant preparatory work is basically completed,” he said.
He commended the Governor for providing an “outstanding investment environment for foreign investors like us”, adding that his firm has a strong social responsibility philosophy in its operating community.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq expressed his satisfaction with the investments, which he said will create jobs, encourage technology transfer, and boost the local economy.
“We are willing to support you and others to invest more in our state,” he said.
Other members of Rong’s team are the company’s lawyer, Barrister Ibrahim Atanda; Project Architect, Arch. Sayi Yekeen; Quality Control Supervisor Shuai Hai Tao; Factory Manager Cao Zheng Hai; Pharmaceutical Manager Xie Chuan Li; and Administrative Manager Mi Guang Hua.
Special Adviser on Special Duties Alhaji AbdulRazaq Jiddah joined the Governor at the meeting.