Benue govt, Chinese firms partner for solar panels manufacturing and battery production

The Benue State Government has announced a strategic collaboration with Chinese companies to establish a solar panel factory and battery production facility within the state. Under the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), firms including Sinoki Systems Limited will spearhead these ventures, signaling a significant milestone in the state’s economic development.

Hon. Alex Addingi, the Special Adviser to Governor Hyacinth Alia on International Investment, revealed that the initiative aims to manufacture Benue Electric vehicles powered by locally produced lithium-ion batteries. Addingi emphasized the utilization of abundant and high-quality silicon resources within the state for these projects, with plans for both domestic usage and export.

The establishment of the solar panel manufacturing plant is anticipated to ameliorate power distribution challenges, providing a more reliable electricity supply across the state. Addingi hinted at a potential public-private partnership (PPP) structure for the initiative, which is slated to commence pending finalization of agreements between the state government and Chinese investors.

This announcement precedes the upcoming Benue State Economic Summit scheduled for November 2024, where government officials anticipate attracting further investment. Addingi highlighted the summit’s aim of laying the groundwork for a Benue Economic City, envisaged as a hub for business activities and a driver of economic growth in the region.

The collaboration with Chinese firms underscores Benue State’s commitment to industrial diversification and economic expansion. If successfully implemented, these projects hold the promise of job creation, improved power infrastructure, and heightened investment prospects, positioning Benue as a formidable player in Nigeria’s economic landscap