FIC Report (Nasarawa State) – In a landmark event for Nigeria’s industrial and economic development, Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has performed the groundbreaking for the construction of a $400 million rare earth and critical metals processing plant.
The facility, owned by a private company, is the largest of its kind in Africa, marking a strategic leap forward in positioning the state and Nigeria as a critical player in the global technology, energy, and defense sectors.
Performing the groundbreaking in Uke Development Area of Karu Local Government Council, the Governor Sule described the project as a historic investment in the development aspirations of the state.
The Governor who participated virtually from South Africa where he is attending the G-20 Summit, commended the owners of the 12, 000 metric tons capacity project, Hastens Commodities Limited for selecting Nasarawa State to establish the plant.
“I congratulate you on this wonderful work that you are doing that would bring development to our state. I am sorry that I am in South Africa today. I love to have been there with you, but this is a very important event for us and I have sent my Deputy, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe to be at the groundbreaking.
“While I congratulate you today, I want to use the opportunity to inform the good people of Nasarawa State that for the first time in Nigeria, we are going to have the rare earth critical metal processing plant that includes; platinum, uranium, chromium and so many other metal that are coming into our state,” he stated.
The Governor further emphasized on the significance of the project.
“This is a huge investment that we should all be proud of, the Government and good people of Nasarawa, I once more congratulate Hasetins Commodities Limited for coming to our state,” he said.
On his part, Nasarawa State Deputy Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe, who was on ground to represent the Governor, elaborated on the plant’s far-reaching implications, explaining that rare earth elements and critical metals like tungsten, tin, coltan, and tantalum are fundamental components in modern technology, used in everything from medical imaging machines (MRI, lesser beam) and powerful magnets to catalysts and electric vehicles.
“The potential is enormous. Imagine having such a plant right here in Nasarawa. This will transform us into a hub for advanced manufacturing. We are embracing this opportunity wholeheartedly and reaffirm our administration’s commitment to creating the secure and enabling environment necessary to attract and sustain world-class investments,” he said.
A high-powered delegation from the Federal Government were also in Uke to witness the epoch making event to include the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, Amb. Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, Minister of Foreign Affairs who spoke virtually, Fatima Umaru Shinkafi, Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, Solid Minerals Development Fund who is responsible for driving strategic investments in the mining sector and Henry Dele Alake, Minister of Solid Minerals Development who also spoke virtually.
In their separate goodwill messages the Federal delegation congratulated Hasetins Commodities Limited for investing in rare earth and critical metal hybrid processing in Nigeria and Nasarawa state in particular.
They collectively described the investment as a masterstroke in harnessing Nigeria’s vast mineral potential, a initiative crucial for driving technological innovation, economic diversification, and industrial growth for the nation.
In his opening remarks, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Hasetins Commodities Limited, Prince Jidayi Ijudigal, detailed the project’s scope, announcing that the company is spearheading a $400 million Foreign Direct Investment to build Africa’s largest rare earth and critical metals hybrid processing plant in Uke.
Prince Ijudigal said the company is involved in a major investment in Nigeria to build Africa’s largest rare earth and critical metals hybrid processing plant in Uke, Nasarawa State.
He pointed out that his company is spearheading a $400 million foreign direct investment into the project and that recent government reforms, including the deployment of mining marshals and streamlined licensing procedures, improved investor confidence and influenced his decision to invest.
Prince Ijudigal noted that beyond the main plant, Hasetins plans to establish regional separation facilities and empower local artisanal miners through training and equipment, stressing that the Nigerian government, through the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development has pledged full institutional support for the project, as it is a crucial step to the economic prosperity of Nasarawa State and Nigeria as a whole.
The project represented a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda, with over 10,000 jobs expected to be created, with the plant set to position Nasarawa State—and Nigeria—as a dominant force in the global critical minerals market, fueling a new era of prosperity and technological advancement.
Signed
ARI, LIMAN AMINU.
HEAD OF CENTRE,
FIC, LAFIA.
