AbdulRazaq hails $35m Chinese investments as lithium, pharma projects take off in Kwara

Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has expressed excitement as two major Chinese-backed investments worth about $35 million take off in the state, reinforcing his administration’s push for industrialisation, job creation and economic growth.

The investments include a $20 million lithium processing factory and a pharmaceutical manufacturing company valued at over $15 million, both being developed by ER-KANG Company Limited.

Speaking during a meeting with the governor, the team lead of ER-KANG, Sun Qing Rong, said the lithium factory has been completed and officially flagged off. He noted that the plant aligns with the state government’s policy on value addition and local manufacturing, as it processes lithium into finished materials rather than exporting the mineral in raw form.

Rong disclosed that the lithium plant currently employs over 300 workers, most of whom are indigenes of Kwara State.

He also announced plans to commence construction of the pharmaceutical company later this year, adding that the firm would partner with the Kwara State Government on the proposed industrial park.

“This is one of the fruits of the meeting we held with Your Excellency in Beijing about two years ago. Today, the lithium plant is completed and fully operational. This year, we are starting the pharmaceutical company with the support of Your Excellency,” Rong said.

According to him, the pharmaceutical project will be executed in two phases, covering large infusion and small-volume injection workshops, which are expected to address shortages of such products in the Nigerian market. He added that all major preparatory work for the project has been concluded.

Rong commended Governor AbdulRazaq for providing what he described as an “outstanding investment environment” for foreign investors, stressing that ER-KANG is committed to strong corporate social responsibility in its host communities.

In his response, Governor AbdulRazaq welcomed the investments, describing them as a major boost to the state’s economy, adding that the projects would create jobs, promote technology transfer and strengthen Kwara’s industrial base.

“We are willing to support you and other investors to invest more in our state,” the governor assured.

Members of ER-KANG’s delegation at the meeting 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.