The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) is actively seeking investors to collaborate in the local production and domestication of lithium batteries and renewable energy solutions.
The executive vice-chairman/CEO of NASENI, Dr. Bashir Gwandu expressed the agency’s readiness to partner with international companies willing to establish their industries in Nigeria to locally produce renewable energy solutions, electric vehicle parts and other capital goods, thereby creating job opportunities and foreign exchange for the country.
Speaking during a meeting with a business delegation from LEMI Technology Shenzhen, China, at the NASENI headquarters in Abuja, Gwandu emphasised that the agency is already making strides in solar panel production. Additionally, NASENI has been in discussions with companies worldwide, seeking partnerships for the local production of lithium-based end-products in Nigeria, aiming to move away from the practice of foreign companies exporting raw materials from the country for processing.
The core vision of NASENI revolves around the domestication of technologies, capital goods production, and commercialization in Nigeria. Gwandu stressed the agency’s commitment to bridging technological gaps, stopping technology importation and encouraging local production. He extended an invitation to partners to establish themselves in Nigeria, emphasising the attractiveness of the Nigerian market for companies that choose to patronise locally produced goods. NASENI is keen on supporting these companies and fostering an encouraging investment environment.
The executive vice-chairman expressed hope that the call for partnerships would be embraced by companies interested in producing in Nigeria. He noted that the Federal Government would welcome any company that approaches them first, especially regarding the production of lithium batteries, where NASENI is ready to form partnerships with willing companies seeking to set up factories in Nigeria.
Gwandu proposed that NASENI and LEMI Technology collaborate on the production of the lithium battery while ensuring compliance with all safety and environmental regulations specific to Nigeria’s conditions. He reaffirmed NASENI’s focus on the production of lithium batteries and inverters and welcomed the idea of working out a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with LEMI Technology to ensure the safest means of producing lithium-based batteries, taking into account Nigeria’s environmental peculiarities.
In response, the chief executive officer of LEMI Technology, Mr. Xie Feng highlighted the long-standing brotherhood between Nigeria and China and acknowledged Nigeria’s importance as a critical investment destination due to its large population. LEMI Technology has been actively operating in Nigeria since 2018, providing job opportunities to Nigerians and supplying renewable energy products to over 200,000 households in the country.
Feng expressed his company’s willingness to collaborate with NASENI through a MoU on renewable energy, particularly focusing on products like solar and television panels, inverters, and battery production. LEMI Technology is working with indigenous forces to address electricity gaps by providing flexible solar solutions while ensuring the sustainability and durability of such solutions.
Over the years, LEMI Technology has engaged in successful partnerships with various international organisations and government agencies in Africa, South East Asia, the Middle East and Latin America to provide essential power services to people in need.
The LEMI Technology delegation – led by the founder of LEMI Technology, Ms. Joyce Chen along with its chief investment officer, Mr. Rocky Hu; Chief financial officer, Ms. Biju Yao; Oversea business director, Ms. Monica Liang and engineer, Mr. Lucia Peng – was present during the meeting, showcasing its commitment to exploring collaboration opportunities with NASENI for the advancement of renewable energy solutions and lithium battery production in Nigeria.
