Kwara State has secured fresh foreign direct investments worth $35m, as two Chinese-backed industrial projects take off under the administration of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, in a move aimed at accelerating industrialisation and economic growth in the state.
The development was disclosed during a meeting between the governor and officials of ER-KANG Company Limited, led by Sun Qing Rong, who confirmed that the firm had completed and commenced operations at a $20m lithium processing plant in the state.
Rong said the factory, which employs more than 300 workers, most of whom are indigenes of Kwara State, is focused on processing lithium into finished and semi-finished products rather than exporting the mineral in its raw form.
He added that the company is also finalising plans to establish a pharmaceutical manufacturing plant in Kwara valued at over $15m, noting that the project will further deepen local manufacturing capacity and address shortages of essential medical products in the Nigerian market.
“This is one of the outcomes of the meeting we held with His Excellency in Beijing about two years ago. Today, the lithium plant has been completed and is operational. This year, we are also commencing the pharmaceutical project with the support of the Kwara State Government,” Rong said.
According to him, the pharmaceutical facility will be developed in phases, including workshops for large infusion and small-volume injections, with preparatory work already concluded.
Rong commended the AbdulRazaq administration for creating what he described as an enabling investment climate for foreign investors, adding that the company is committed to corporate social responsibility in its host communities.
Responding, Governor AbdulRazaq expressed satisfaction with the scale and impact of the investments, saying they would generate employment, enhance technology transfer and stimulate economic activities across the state.
“We are ready to continue supporting investors who are willing to do business in Kwara State. These projects align with our industrialisation agenda and our commitment to creating opportunities for our people,” the governor said.
Other members of the ER-KANG delegation at the meeting included the company’s legal adviser, 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 Special Adviser on Special Duties to the Governor, Alhaji AbdulRazaq Jiddah, also attended the meeting.
The investments are expected to strengthen Kwara State’s emerging industrial base and reinforce the administration’s strategy of attracting foreign capital to drive sustainable economic development.
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