A British battery recycling company is set to invest $5 million in Ogun State to establish a new plant.
This development marks a significant milestone for the Nigerian state as it positions itself as a key player in the global battery recycling industry.
This announcement was made by the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, during a courtesy visit to the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, on Wednesday.
Montgomery led a team of officials from the British High Commission to the governor’s office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
Speaking during the visit, Montgomery revealed that the upcoming battery recycling facility in Ogun State would be the best of its kind in Africa.
He stated that the project would involve the recycling of e-waste and the transformation of old batteries into reusable materials.
“My visit to this state is about the exciting deal for recycling, which is moving out of Lagos and coming here to Ogun State,” Montgomery said.
“The plant will recycle old batteries and produce what is called ‘black mass,’ containing minerals needed to manufacture new batteries. This will be the first facility of its kind in Africa.”
He added that the facility would position Ogun State as a leader in battery recycling on the continent.
Montgomery expressed enthusiasm for the cooperation between British investors and Ogun State officials, particularly Ogun Invest and the State Bureau of Lands, who are working closely to ensure the deal moves forward smoothly.
“We are thrilled to see the support we have received from Ogun Invest and the Bureau of Lands, which has already confirmed the Certificate of Occupancy for the project,” Montgomery noted.
“This investment, worth about five million dollars, has the potential to create new jobs and bring advanced recycling technology to the state.”
Montgomery also touched on the broader investment potential in Ogun State.
He emphasized that the British government is keen on partnering with the state in several key sectors, including energy, technology, tertiary education, and agricultural processing.
He hinted that ongoing discussions with the state would pave the way for more UK-linked companies to explore business opportunities in the state in the coming year.
“We are exploring further opportunities in sectors such as agriculture, education, and energy,” Montgomery stated.
“The UK is also ready to offer technical assistance to Ogun State’s mass transit system, which is already being test-run.”
The High Commissioner further mentioned that his visit to Ogun was partly to review the state’s progress as Nigeria’s industrial hub.
He expressed his satisfaction with the strides Ogun State has made in developing infrastructure and creating a conducive environment for businesses to thrive.
He praised the state for its industrial achievements over the last five years and underscored the UK’s interest in identifying new business opportunities within the region.
In response to Montgomery’s remarks, Abiodun highlighted Ogun State’s vast potential in agriculture and manufacturing.
He noted that the state is blessed with expansive land suitable for cultivating both food and cash crops.
Ogun State is also rich in mineral resources such as limestone, which has attracted numerous manufacturing companies to the state.
“Ogun State is a haven for industries,” Governor Abiodun said.
“We have the largest industrial park in Nigeria, thanks to our strategic location and the gas pipelines from the Niger Delta that run across our state. These are just a few of the reasons why we are attracting significant investments.”
Abiodun pointed out that the state government’s deliberate investment in infrastructure has been instrumental in driving economic growth and attracting investors.
“We are committed to building roads and other key infrastructure that will make Ogun State more attractive to investors and bring meaningful development to our people,” he said.
The governor also highlighted the state’s contributions to food security in Nigeria through its growing agricultural sector.
In addition, Abiodun outlined the state’s efforts to revamp its education and healthcare systems, both of which are crucial for sustained economic development.
Abiodun also spoke about the state’s advancements in transportation, noting the establishment of the Ministry of Transportation, the development of a comprehensive Transportation Master Plan, and the construction of a cargo airport.
These projects, he said, were inspired by his participation in a summit held in the United Kingdom in 2020.
“We learned a lot from that summit in the UK, especially about modernizing our transportation system,” Abiodun remarked.
“Today, we are implementing a Transportation Master Plan and building a cargo airport, which will further open up our state to business.”
He also acknowledged the strong historical ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, which have led to a wide range of cooperation, including staff training for the state’s transport management team.
Governor Abiodun expressed gratitude for the continued support from the British government, particularly through the British Foreign Office.
“We have received immense support from the UK, particularly in areas like transport and agriculture,” he said.
“Ogun State is open for business, and we are working hard to create an enabling environment for investors.”
Abiodun further mentioned that Ogun State had simplified the process of land acquisition for investors.
He assured potential investors that the state has reduced bureaucratic obstacles to make it easier for businesses to set up operations.
“We have streamlined the process of acquiring land to make it as seamless as possible for investors,” he noted.
