Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi A. Sule and his Zamfara State counterpart, Dauda Lawal, have arrived in Nanchang City, China, to participate in the Jinlide•Qiangyu New Energy Grand Opening Ceremony scheduled for Tuesday, July 28, 2026, where they are expected to sign separate Memoranda of Understanding aimed at boosting power development and attracting investment into the energy sectors of their respective states. The two governors, accompanied by their delegations, arrived in the Chinese city on Monday, July 27, 2026, following an invitation from the Chinese energy company, which is officially inaugurating its new manufacturing plant.
The primary purpose of Governor Sule's visit is to honour an invitation as a Special Guest at the inauguration of Jinlide Mining Co. Ltd, a state-of-the-art lithium finishing processing plant in China. This facility plays a crucial role in the global lithium value chain, as it is where lithium processed from Nasarawa State is transported for further refinement into high-value finished products. Governor Sule's trip comes just weeks after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu commissioned the Diamond New Energy lithium processing plant in Nasarawa State, described as the largest lithium processing facility in Africa.
During the visit, Governor Sule is expected to sign a series of MoUs aimed at strengthening partnerships between Chinese companies and the Nasarawa State Government. The agreements are expected to promote investment, enhance industrial development, and create new economic opportunities for the state. Similarly, Governor Lawal is expected to sign separate agreements to strengthen cooperation in the energy sector and deepen partnerships between the Chinese firm and the Zamfara State Government. The agreements are expected to pave the way for collaboration on power-related projects and support efforts by both states to improve electricity infrastructure.
The visit underscores Nasarawa State's commitment to attracting foreign direct investment and expanding international collaborations to drive sustainable economic growth. Nasarawa State has rapidly positioned itself as a pivotal player in Nigeria's burgeoning solid minerals sector, particularly in lithium extraction and processing. The state has attracted substantial foreign direct investment, notably from Chinese firms, aimed at establishing robust local processing infrastructure. Jiuling Lithium Mining Company has committed over $200 million to establish a lithium processing factory in Nasarawa State, while Diamond New Energy, in partnership with the Nasarawa State Government, has invested approximately $250 million in a lithium processing plant with a capacity of 6,000 metric tonnes per day.
Governor Sule, who has consistently called on investors to come and invest in the state, had disclosed during the inauguration of the N4.401 billion 12.4-kilometre Agwada-Udege road in Kokona Local Government Area that the state was expecting a special allocation of 10 million United States dollars from lithium proceeds before the end of the year 2026. He assured that the funds would be committed to community development projects in consultation with community leaders, particularly in Nasarawa and Endo areas. The governor also disclosed that his recent visit to the United States had drawn renewed attention to Nasarawa State's solid minerals potential, particularly critical metals, with American investors and government officials indicating interest in coming and investing in the state.
The visit to China is not Governor Sule's first international engagement aimed at attracting investment. In January 2025, he embarked on a week-long working visit to Beijing on the invitation of LOVOL Heavy Industries Company Ltd., a leading manufacturer of tractors and farm equipment. That visit underscored his commitment to transforming Nasarawa's agricultural sector into a globally competitive industry. The current trip further demonstrates his administration's focus on leveraging international partnerships to drive economic growth and industrialisation.
For Zamfara State, Governor Lawal's participation in the energy summit builds on recent successes in attracting investment. On July 11, 2026, Governor Lawal inaugurated a $200 million lithium mining and processing plant in Boko village, Zurmi Local Government Area. The facility, known as the Zamfara Lithium Mining and Processing Plant, is a joint investment by ZAM Mining Company Ltd, Bima Mines Ltd, and Jinlide Mining Co. Ltd. Governor Lawal has credited security reforms and investment drive initiatives for restoring investors' confidence in the state.
The Jinlide•Qiangyu New Energy Grand Opening Ceremony represents a significant milestone in the growing economic ties between Nigeria and China, particularly in the critical minerals and energy sectors. Chinese companies have invested more than $1.3 billion in developing lithium processing capacity in Nigeria since September 2023, according to Solid Minerals Development Minister Dele Alake. The agreements expected to be signed during the visit are likely to further deepen these ties and create new opportunities for economic development in both Nasarawa and Zamfara states.
As the governors participate in the grand opening ceremony on Tuesday, the focus will be on the specific details of the MoUs and the projects they will unlock. For Nasarawa State, the visit represents an opportunity to consolidate its position as a leading destination for critical minerals investment and to ensure that the benefits of lithium extraction are fully realised by its citizens. For Zamfara State, the visit offers a chance to build on recent investment successes and attract further partnerships in the energy sector. The trip underscores the commitment of both state governments to exploring international partnerships that can drive industrial growth and expand access to sustainable energy.
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