By Tunde Oyekola
Kwara State has secured two Chinese-backed investments valued at about $35m, as part of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s push to deepen industrialisation and expand the state’s manufacturing base.
A statement on Wednesday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Rafiu Ajakaye, said the investments include a $20m lithium processing factory and a pharmaceutical manufacturing plant valued at over $15m, both promoted by ER-KANG Company Limited.
Speaking during a meeting with Governor AbdulRazaq, the team lead of ER-KANG Company Limited, Sun Qing Rong, said the firm had completed and commenced operations at its lithium factory in the state.
He said the factory aligns with the state government’s policy of encouraging value addition and local manufacturing, noting that the company processes lithium into finished materials rather than exporting it in raw form.
According to him, the company currently employs more than 300 workers, most of whom are indigenes of Kwara State.
Rong also disclosed that the firm was setting up a pharmaceutical manufacturing company in the state, valued at over $15m, and would partner with the state government in developing the industrial park.
“This is one of the fruits of the meeting that we held with Your Excellency in Beijing about two years ago. Today, we have completed the lithium plant, and it is up and running. And this year, we are starting the pharmaceutical company with the help of Your Excellency,” he said.
He explained that the pharmaceutical factory would be developed in two phases, comprising large infusion and small-volume injection production lines.
“The factory will include two phases of construction for large infusion and small volume injection workshops, which will make up for the shortage of such products in the Nigerian market. At present, the relevant preparatory work is basically completed,” he added.
Rong commended Governor AbdulRazaq for providing what he described as an “outstanding investment environment for foreign investors,” adding that the company was committed to strong corporate social responsibility within its host communities.
In his response, Governor AbdulRazaq expressed satisfaction with the investments, saying they would create jobs, facilitate technology transfer, and strengthen the state’s economy.
“We are willing to support you and others to invest more in our state,” the governor said.
Members of Rong’s team 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 Special Adviser on Special Duties, Alhaji AbdulRazaq Jiddah, also joined the governor at the meeting.
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