A British battery recycling company is set to invest $5 million in Ogun State, Nigeria, to establish a new recycling plant.
The announcement was made by the British High Commissioner in Nigeria, Mr. Richard Montgomery, during a courtesy visit to Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun on Wednesday.
Montgomery highlighted that the facility would be the first of its kind in Africa, stating: “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 in Africa.”
He elaborated on the project’s significance, saying, “For the first time, it is now possible to recycle the cell back into chemical form in Africa and export the black mass, which contains the minerals inside the battery, to make new batteries.”
Montgomery praised the support received from Ogun Invest and the Bureau of Lands, noting that the investment would be approximately $5 million.
The High Commissioner also mentioned that the UK is keen to explore further investment opportunities in energy, technology, education, and agricultural processing in Ogun State.
“We are looking to find more United Kingdom-linked companies to invest in the State,” he added.
Governor Abiodun responded positively, emphasizing Ogun’s potential for investment.
He remarked, “We are open for business. Our administration has made the environment attractive. We have reduced bureaucratic bottlenecks to the barest minimum. We have made land acquisition seamless for investors. We have grown our economy.”
Abiodun highlighted Ogun’s advantages, including its extensive land for agriculture, mineral deposits, and the presence of major manufacturing companies.
He noted the impact of infrastructure improvements and the development of sectors like agriculture and transportation.
The governor also acknowledged the beneficial relationship between Nigeria and the UK, noting, “We have benefited from the training of our staff, especially those managing the State transport system.”
Montgomery’s visit also served to review Ogun’s progress as an industrial hub and explore further business opportunities, with discussions ongoing on potential investments in various sectors.
