Nigeria To Host Africa’s Largest Rare Earth Plant, $400m Investment to Create 10,000 Jobs, Boost Economy
The Federal Government has pledged full support to a $400 million Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) plan to build Africa’s largest rare earth and critical minerals plant in Nasarawa State. The project is expected to create over 10,000 jobs nationwide and significantly boost the country’s economy.
Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Oladele Alake, announced this development after hosting the Managing Director/CEO of Hasetins Commodities Ltd, Prince Jidayi Ijudigal, and his team in Abuja. Dr. Alake explained that the plant would promote skills transfer, boost the solid minerals sector’s contribution to the economy, and spur investor confidence in the mining sector.
The Minister commended Hasetins Commodities Limited for keying into the value addition campaign of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, noting that mineral processing is the strategy to take the jobless from the streets. 
“I’m glad our ongoing engagements have culminated in this groundbreaking initiative,” Dr. Alake said. “With your collaboration, we are now witnessing the establishment of the largest rare earth and critical metals plant in Africa, right here in Nigeria.”
The company plans to add 12,000 metric tonnes to its current 6,000 metric tonnes installed capacity, with preparations for the forthcoming groundbreaking of the additional facility gathering momentum.
Dr. Alake reaffirmed the federal government’s full institutional support for the project, underscoring its alignment with the Ministry’s vision of transforming Nigeria’s solid minerals into a cornerstone of industrial growth and economic diversification.
Prince Jidayi Ijudigal, Managing Director/CEO of Hasetins Commodities Ltd, lauded the Minister’s leadership reforms, which have significantly improved investor confidence and streamlined access to the mining sector. The company will establish regional separation plants, empower local communities and miners, and provide training and protective equipment.
The Director of Corporate Affairs of Hasetins, Peter Butt, commended Dr. Alake for bringing renewed purpose and structure to the mining sector, emphasizing that the Minister’s strong emphasis on local value addition reinforced the company’s decision to invest in sustainable, community-driven development.
This development marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s mining sector and is expected to have a positive impact on the country’s economy.
