Kwara Gov excited as $35m Chinese investments take off

Kwara State has attracted at least two foreign direct investments valued at about $35m, a development that underscores Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s push for industrialisation and economic growth.

A statement made by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Rafiu Ajakaye, on Wednesday, stated that the investments are being driven by ER-KANG Company Limited, a Chinese firm led by its team lead, Sun Qing Rong.

According to Rong, the company has completed and commenced operations at its $20m lithium processing factory in the state, in line with the government’s policy of promoting value addition and boosting local manufacturing capacity. “The factory employs over 300 workers, mostly indigenes of Kwara State, and processes lithium into finished materials rather than exporting the mineral in its raw form” He said.

Rong also disclosed that the firm is setting up a pharmaceutical manufacturing company in Kwara, valued at more than $15m, and will partner with the state government on the proposed 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. This year, we are starting the pharmaceutical company with the support of the state government,” he said.

He explained that the pharmaceutical factory would be developed in two phases, comprising large infusion and small-volume injection production workshops, aimed at addressing shortages of such products in the Nigerian market. He added that preparatory work for the project had largely been completed.

Rong commended the Kwara State Government for providing what he described as an “outstanding investment environment” for foreign investors, noting that the company places strong emphasis on corporate social responsibility in its host communities.

Expressing his satisfaction, Governor AbdulRazaq stated tht the investments would create jobs, facilitate technology transfer and stimulate the local economy.

“We are willing to support you and others to invest more in our state,” the governor said.

Members of the ER-KANG delegation at the meeting included the company’s lawyer, Ibrahim Atanda; Project Architect, 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 also joined by his Special Adviser on Special Duties, Alhaji AbdulRazaq Jiddah.