By Olawale Ogunbusola, Ibadan

The Aare Musulumi of Oyo Land, Alhaji Prince Adebayo Kamarise, has urged the administration of President Bola Tinubu to prioritise full-scale investment in lithium production to drive an efficient transportation system in the country.

Kamarise made the call while addressing journalists in Ibadan on Friday. He said proceeds from fuel subsidy removal should be channelled into battery production as an alternative to support the transportation sector.

He commended the Tinubu administration for its economic reforms in the last three years, including the removal of fuel subsidy and unification of the foreign exchange market, noting that the policies had helped to stabilise the economy.

The businessman also lauded the introduction of the Compressed Natural Gas initiative, saying it had sustained the movement of goods and commodities across the country.

He emphasised that lithium is abundant in Oyo State and other parts of Nigeria, and added that the public transportation system would be more flexible if electric/battery-powered systems gained prominence.

“Lithium is abundant in Nigeria. President Tinubu should develop the nation’s mineral sector. This is the ripe time for Nigeria to develop its lithium resources and position itself on the global landscape like China,” he said.

Kamarise credited the operationalisation of the Dangote Refinery and urged that other Nigerian investors should be encouraged to go into lithium production.

He said stable electricity and energy supply would go a long way in delivering the country into global prosperity.

The Aare Musulumi also called for the strengthening of the security, energy and power sectors to address kidnapping, unemployment, brain drain and other social challenges.

He urged government to woo battery manufacturers and investors into the country to optimise the use of Nigeria’s lithium resources and reduce dependence on fossil fuel and CNG in domestic and transportation systems.

“Goods and services are on the high side in Nigeria because we all depend on fuel. Where alternatives are provided in the public transportation system, demand for fuel will drastically reduce. This will justify subsidy benefits for all Nigerians, not just a section of the people.

“China does not suffer economic setbacks because alternatives such as CNG and battery systems are in place. We must act fast in that regard,” he added.

On politics, Kamarise advocated continued religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence beyond the 2027 general elections. He urged political candidates to campaign on issues and avoid violence or actions capable of causing disunity.