Kwara State Government has entered into a strategic partnership with Chinese investors on business investments valued at $35 million, aimed at accelerating industrialisation and economic growth in the state.
The partnership covers two major projects: the establishment of a $20 million lithium processing factory and a pharmaceutical manufacturing company valued at over $15 million. Relevant preparatory work for both projects has been substantially completed.
Speaking in Ilorin during a meeting with the Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the team lead of the Chinese investors, ER-KANG Company Limited, Mr. Sun Qing Rong, disclosed that the $20 million lithium factory has been completed and is already operational.
According to him, the factory aligns with the state government’s policy of promoting value addition and local manufacturing, noting that the plant processes lithium into finished materials rather than exporting raw minerals. He added that the company currently employs over 300 workers, most of whom are indigenes of Kwara State.
Sun further revealed that the firm is finalising plans to establish a pharmaceutical company in the state, valued at over $15 million, adding that the project would commence this year.
“This is one of the fruits of the meeting we held with His Excellency in Beijing about two years ago. Today, the lithium plant is up and running, and this year we are starting the pharmaceutical company,” he said.
He explained that the pharmaceutical factory would be developed in two phases, covering large infusion and small-volume injection workshops, to address shortages in Nigeria’s pharmaceutical market. He also disclosed plans to partner with the state government on the development of the industrial park.
Commending the state government, Sun described Kwara as providing an outstanding investment environment for foreign investors, noting that the company maintains a strong social responsibility culture within its host communities.
Responding, Governor AbdulRazaq said the state had secured at least two foreign investments worth $35 million as part of its industrialisation and economic development drive.
He expressed satisfaction with the projects, stating that they would create jobs, promote technology transfer and stimulate the local economy.
“We are willing to support you and others to invest more in our state,” the governor assured.
Other members of the Chinese delegation included 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. The Governor was joined at the meeting by the Special Adviser on Special Duties, Alhaji AbdulRazaq Jiddah.
By Hammed Shittu
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