The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) of Nigeria have sealed a $150m battery manufacturing deal with a Chinese firm.

This was disclosed on Friday in a statement by the chief executive officer of NASENI, Khalil Halilu with the deal one of the gains of the United Nations Climate Change Conference otherwise called COP28 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).

“As the global community converges for COP 28 in Dubai, the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) of Nigeria and the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) are poised to make a significant stride in climate action,” Halilu said.

“That is by signing a groundbreaking Cooperation Agreement with the SHENZEN LEMI Technology Development Company, marking a pivotal moment in the global effort towards sustainable energy practices.”

He added that the Agreement was signed on Friday, December 8, 2023 under the leadership of the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Power and the China Ministry of Ecology and Environment.

The partnership, according to him will facilitate the establishment of a Lithium-Ion Battery manufacturing and processing factory in Nigeria.

This initiative is backed by a US$150 million investment from LEMI, with operations scheduled to commence in phases, starting from the 2nd quarter of the year 2024.

“The Chinese Ministry of Ecology and Environment, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Power in Nigeria, expressed enthusiasm for being part of this transformative agreement,” Halilu stated.

The NASENI CEO said that the signing of the Cooperation Agreement is anticipated to serve as a pioneer initiative for the Light and Belt Initiative in Africa.

He added that this will help to align with global efforts to drive climate technology development and transfer.

According to Halilu, this collaboration will strengthen the NASENI’s mandate under the Agency’s new leadership to manage the research and development of capital goods and production.

It will also help in reversing engineering to enhance local mass production of standard parts and services for the nation’s technological advancement with a special focus on the Nigerian Electricity Sector.