The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) is calling on investors to collaborate with the agency in the local production and domestication of lithium batteries and other renewable energy solutions. Dr. Bashir Gwandu, the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of NASENI, made this announcement during a meeting with a business delegation from LEMI Technology in Shenzhen, China, at NASENI headquarters in Abuja.
Dr. Gwandu emphasized NASENI’s readiness to partner with international companies interested in setting up their industries in Nigeria to commence local production of renewable energy solutions, electric vehicle parts, and other capital goods. This collaboration aims to create employment opportunities and reduce Nigeria’s dependence on foreign goods, which puts pressure on the country’s foreign exchange reserves.
NASENI has already made significant strides in solar panel production and aims to attract solar cell manufacturing to enhance synergy with its existing work on solar panel assembly. The agency has been holding meetings with companies from around the world, seeking partnerships for local production of lithium-based end-products within Nigeria, rather than the usual practice of exporting raw materials for processing abroad.
The Executive Vice Chairman revealed that NASENI will work closely with the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) to encourage the development and production of electric vehicles. Furthermore, discussions are underway with various stakeholders regarding the installation of electric vehicle charging stations along major roads throughout the country.
Dr. Gwandu extended an invitation to international companies to establish their operations in Nigeria and engage in local production. NASENI is committed to providing support and ensuring an encouraging investment environment for those who choose to produce locally. The Nigerian government welcomes the first company that approaches NASENI for collaboration, especially in the production of lithium batteries. The agency is ready to partner with companies willing to establish factories in Nigeria.
During the meeting, Dr. Gwandu proposed that NASENI and LEMI Technology explore areas of collaboration in the production of lithium batteries. He emphasized the importance of adhering to safety and environmental regulations throughout the manufacturing process, taking into account Nigeria’s unique environmental circumstances.
Ms. Joyce Chen, the founder of LEMI Technology, expressed her company’s readiness to partner with NASENI and invest in Nigeria. She conveyed her optimism about establishing a mutually beneficial relationship with NASENI and the Nigerian government. The delegation from LEMI Technology included the Chief Investment Officer, Mr. Rocky Hu; Chief Financial Officer, Ms. Biju Yao; Oversea Business Director, Ms. Monica Liang; and Engineer, Mr. Lucia Peng.
LEMI Technology, operating in Nigeria since 2018, has provided job opportunities for Nigerians and supplied renewable energy products to over 200,000 Nigerian households. The company aims to collaborate with NASENI through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on renewable energy, focusing on products such as solar panels, television panels, inverters, and battery production.
NASENI, as the only purpose-built agency in Nigeria with a specific mandate in capital goods research, production, and reverse engineering, is poised to bridge the technological gap between Nigeria and other countries. The agency encourages manufacturers to process raw materials into end-products within Nigeria, and any company willing to take up this opportunity will receive support from NASENI.
Dr. Gwandu stressed that Nigeria should be at the forefront of battery production, considering the country’s abundant raw materials, including phosphate. He emphasized NASENI’s commitment to supporting manufacturers in various sectors, including renewable energy and aerospace industries.
The agency has initiated discussions with suppliers to CATL and LEMI of China, among others, to explore opportunities in lithium production. NASENI aims to promote government policies that limit the export of all types of lithium, except those that Nigeria cannot process into end-products.
As NASENI continues its efforts to promote domestication and technological advancements, the agency invites manufacturers to capitalize on the first-mover advantage and establish their manufacturing facilities in Nigeria.
