Senator Orji Uzor Kalu Seals Energy Pact with China’s GCL Group in Suzhou
By Saeed Tijjani
Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has taken a major step toward bolstering Nigeria’s power and mining sectors following a high-level diplomatic and business visit to Suzhou, China.
The former Abia State Governor and Senator representing Abia North Senatorial district held strategic discussions with Zhu Gongshan, the Chairman of the GCL Group, focusing on a massive collaborative framework in coal, lithium, and power generation.
This development was confirmed in a terse statement obtained by 9japarrot from the Lawmaker's official media handles.
The visit, which comes on the heels of an earlier framework agreement signed in Dubai, aims to fast-track investments that could stabilize Nigeria’s fragile power grid.
According to Senator Kalu, the discussions were centered on strengthening national energy security and fostering sustainable economic growth.
“Our discussions focused on potential collaboration in coal, lithium, and power, key sectors for strengthening energy security and supporting sustainable economic growth in our country,” said the Lawmaker following the meeting.
A centerpiece of the partnership is the development of a lithium battery value chain. In line with Nigeria's 2026 policy to prioritize local mineral processing, the GCL Group is set to collaborate with Kalu’s Swiber Africa Group to establish a lithium carbonate smelting facility in Abia State.
The project is designed to create a closed-loop industry encompassing mining, smelting, and global exports—positioning Nigeria as a significant player in the global green energy transition.
Senator Kalu emphasized that as national leaders, it is imperative to project Nigeria positively and attract capital that creates jobs and technology transfer.
“I remain committed to advancing initiatives that will contribute meaningfully to national development,” He added stressing that such international partnerships are vital for creating opportunities for the Nigerian people.
