The Federal Government has declared full institutional support for a $400 million foreign direct investment plan aimed at establishing Africa’s largest rare earth and critical minerals processing plant in Nasarawa State.
The ambitious project, expected to create over 10,000 jobs across the country, has been hailed as a strategic win for Nigeria’s industrialization and mineral beneficiation agenda.
Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, described the investment as a bold affirmation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s value-addition campaign within the solid minerals sector.
According to him, mineral processing, not just extraction, is key to creating employment opportunities and stimulating inclusive economic growth. The Minister made this known through a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori, on Sunday.
The plant, being funded by Hasetins Commodities Limited, will see its current processing capacity expanded from 6,000 metric tonnes to an estimated 18,000 metric tonnes, with preparations already underway for a groundbreaking ceremony on the expanded facility. Dr. Alake praised the initiative for aligning perfectly with the government’s long-term vision to transform raw mineral exploitation into high-value industrial outputs within Nigeria’s borders.
During a courtesy visit by Hasetins Commodities Ltd’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Prince Jidayi Ijudigal, the Minister commended the company’s patriotic investment and technical foresight. He emphasized that the establishment of such a large-scale processing plant represents a milestone not only in terms of scale but in its potential to build investor confidence, promote skills development, and deepen Nigeria’s integration into global value chains.
“I’m glad our ongoing engagements have culminated in this groundbreaking initiative,” Dr. Alake remarked. “With your collaboration, we are now witnessing the establishment of the largest rare earth and critical metals plant in Africa, right here in Nigeria. On behalf of the President, the Ministry, and the Nigerian people, I commend your commitment to this vital sector. Your patriotic zeal confirms that our policies are on the right track and producing tangible results.”
In response, Prince Jidayi praised the leadership of the Minister and the renewed clarity brought into the mining sector through sweeping reforms. He noted that recent developments—particularly the introduction of mining marshals to curb illegal operations and the simplification of the licensing regime—had made Nigeria more attractive to foreign investment.
Prince Jidayi further highlighted the broader developmental vision of the company, explaining that beyond the flagship plant in Nasarawa, Hasetins intends to establish regional separation plants to empower host communities and artisanal miners. According to him, the company’s strategy revolves around early-stage beneficiation, which includes localized metal separation to boost earnings for small-scale miners. This, he added, will be supported by training programs, provision of safety equipment, and deliberate community engagement to ensure inclusive participation and impact.
Also speaking during the visit, Hasetins’ Director of Corporate Affairs, Peter Butt, lauded the Federal Ministry’s policy direction under Dr. Alake’s watch. He reiterated that the company’s decision to invest in Nigeria was largely influenced by the strong emphasis on local value addition and community-driven sustainability. He commended the government’s firm commitment to turning Nigeria’s mineral potential into practical economic outcomes that benefit citizens directly.
Hasetins Commodities Limited focuses on the production of strategic metals used in high-technology applications and defense systems, including rare earth metals and Platinum Group Metals (PGMs). These metals are vital for manufacturing components in electronics, renewable energy systems, and advanced military technologies.
Dr. Alake assured the visiting delegation of the Ministry’s unwavering support and reiterated that the project fits squarely into the federal government’s overarching vision of diversifying the economy through solid minerals. He emphasized that the era of raw export is gradually being replaced with a new regime of in-country processing and value-chain development.
What you should know
Hasetins Commodities Ltd is investing $400 million in what is poised to be Africa’s largest rare earth and critical minerals processing plant, to be located in Nasarawa State.
The initiative aligns with the federal government’s push for value addition in the solid minerals sector and is expected to generate over 10,000 jobs nationwide.
