'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER – A British battery recycling company is set to establish a $5 million plant in Ogun State, in a significant boost to Nigeria’s industrial and environmental landscape. This was revealed by the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Richard Montgomery, during a courtesy visit to the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, at his office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, on Wednesday.
Mr. Montgomery disclosed that the battery recycling plant, which is being relocated from Lagos to Ogun, will be the most advanced facility of its kind in Africa. "The battery we will be manufacturing in Ogun State will be the first of its kind in Africa, and we will make the State the leader in battery recycling on the continent," he announced. The High Commissioner explained that the facility would focus on recycling e-waste and would allow for the recovery of crucial battery components, such as black mass, which contains essential minerals for making new batteries.
This venture, Montgomery stated, would not only bring advanced technology to Ogun State but also create new job opportunities, making the state a pivotal hub for battery recycling in Africa. He lauded the efforts of Ogun State officials, particularly Ogun Invest and the Director General of Lands, in facilitating the project and securing the necessary Certificate of Occupation for the plant.
"We are excited about this partnership, and it's a significant step forward in both technology and job creation for Ogun State," said Montgomery, emphasizing the collaboration between Nigeria and the United Kingdom on this initiative.
Broader Collaboration Between the UK and Ogun State
The British High Commissioner also hinted at broader areas of potential collaboration between the United Kingdom and Ogun State. He expressed interest in engaging further in sectors such as energy, technology, tertiary education, and agricultural processing. The Commissioner also mentioned that discussions were ongoing to explore opportunities for UK-linked companies to invest in the state in the coming years.
Montgomery highlighted the UK’s involvement in other sectors of Ogun’s economy, noting that British International Investment, a UK financial development institution, has already made substantial investments in cashew processing and export companies within the state. He also expressed the UK's readiness to provide technical assistance to Ogun’s mass transit system, which is currently undergoing trials.
“Our visit is partly to assess the progress Ogun State has made as an industrial hub and to explore business opportunities for British companies to invest further in the region," he remarked, commending Ogun’s infrastructure and its conducive environment for business growth.
Governor Abiodun Welcomes the Investment
Governor Dapo Abiodun, in his response, welcomed the partnership and acknowledged the strides Ogun State has made in creating an attractive environment for foreign investment. He highlighted the state's abundant natural resources, including vast arable land for agriculture and substantial deposits of limestone and other minerals, which have attracted numerous manufacturing companies to the region.
"We are proud to be home to the biggest industrial park in the country, supported by gas pipelines from the Niger Delta that crisscross the state," Abiodun said. The governor added that Ogun has made significant investments in infrastructure, particularly in road networks and essential amenities, to attract more industrial players to the state.
Governor Abiodun also shared the state's progress in other sectors, including agriculture, education, health, and transportation. He mentioned the creation of the Ministry of Transportation, the development of a Transportation Master Plan, and the construction of a cargo airport as key takeaways from his participation in a summit in the United Kingdom in 2020.
Ogun State’s Commitment to Investment and Growth
Reiterating Ogun State’s commitment to fostering investment, Governor Abiodun said his administration has worked to eliminate bureaucratic hurdles and streamline land acquisition processes to make it easier for investors to operate. He also expressed his gratitude to the British High Commissioner and the UK Foreign Office for their continued support in training state staff and advancing Ogun’s development agenda.
"We are open for business. Our environment is attractive, our economy is growing, and we have reduced bureaucratic bottlenecks to the barest minimum," the governor stated.
This groundbreaking partnership with the UK, anchored by the forthcoming battery recycling plant, is expected to further position Ogun State as a leader in sustainable industrialization and environmental innovation in Africa.
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