From Scholastica Hir Makurdi
Benue State Government has stated that it is partnering with some Chinese companies, including Sinoki Systems Limited, to establish a car manufacturing factory in the state that would produce different models of Electric powered vehicles.
The Special Adviser to the Benue State Governor on International Investment, Mr. Alex Addingi, disclosed this at a press conference in his office, in Makurdi.
The Adviser noted that the state has already signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Chinese companies, that will, among other benefits, bring about the production of Lithium batteries that would be used to power the electric vehicles.
He explained that the company would produce hybrid solar panels and Lithium batteries by drawing most of their raw materials, including Silicon, within the state, adding that the Silicon in the state, which is of high quality and in abundance in the state would also be extracted for export.
He also said solar panels would be produced to boost power supply in the state, as well as reduce the epileptic power supply that has adversely affected the state, to the barest minimum.
“These solar panels will have raw materials, what we call silicon, we have the finest sand in River Benue which looks like it doesn’t have value. We are turning this raw material to the highest level of solar panels.
“The next phase will be the production of lithium batteries for renewable energy. We have finest lithium in Logo local government area of the state.
“This is not only going to be about producing electricity but also producing electric vehicles that can be exported to Europe.
“Even small cottage industries, churches and villages, will have their independent power. So, Benue State is not just going to produce power for itself. We are going to export power to other states”, Addingi stated.
He explained that the project which would be done on a Public Private Partnership, (PPP), arrangement would kick off soon as the State Government and Chinese investors conclude all discussions and agreements.
The Special Adviser, further disclosed that the state is planning an Economic Summit, which would sometime in November, 2024.
While noting that the summit would draw investors into the state, Addingi said it would also give birth to the establishment of Benue Economic City.
He said the Economic city, which would offer international and domestic investors access to do business, would attract over 50 companies to Benue State making it a business hub of the North Central and creating job opportunities for the teeming youths of the state.
“Benue State has a lot of potentials but we have not been able to add value to what we have. There will be good production, farm accessories and other infrastructural development that could boost industrialization of the state” Addingi said.
“Our partners have arrived in the state. What they are waiting for now, is for the state government to show them the land, provide certificate of occupancy for the land.
“The commissioners in charge of ministries of finance and that of trade and investment are already working out modalities on monetary aspects of what it will takes to provide what the companies needed commence operations.
He assured that Benue was going to be fully industrialized under Alia’s administration and solicited partnership from newsmen to bring out the positivities of what governor Alia is doing in the state.
On the MOU signed with the Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH) Hon. Addingi said it is one of the best things to happen to Benue state and the entire country because the Shanghai Haitian hospital are coming to “install their high-tech medical equipment and would be treating the ailments that we may not be able to treat that are sometimes not treated in Abuja or other places.
“Benue state would become a medical tourism by virtue of this partnership,” he said.