Int’l investors eye Nigeria’s lithium reserves amid global push for green energy transition

Nigeria is attracting increasing international attention for its vast lithium reserves, a critical mineral in the global push for clean energy technologies such as electric vehicles (EVs) and solar panels.
As Africa is projected to supply 20% of the world’s lithium by 2030, Nigeria aims to position itself as a key player in this growing market. The West African country has already seen the construction of lithium factories, with two plants commissioned and a third under construction. Segun Tomori, special assistant on media to Nigeria’s minister of solid minerals development, highlighted lithium’s crucial role in the green energy transition. “Lithium is topping the charts in terms of interest,” he said during a recent XSpace session. The mineral’s importance is underscored by the establishment of factories in Nigeria, such as one in Kaduna State, where China’s Ming Xin Mineral Separation Nig Ltd. is building the country’s first lithium-processing plant for EV battery production.
Nigeria’s mining policies are also evolving to ensure value addition before export. In 2022, the Nigerian government reportedly rejected a proposal from Tesla to purchase raw lithium, stressing the importance of processing the mineral domestically to create jobs and stimulate industrial growth. In addition to the influx of international investors, Nigeria is collaborating with neighboring South Africa to enhance lithium’s role in the green energy transition. The Nigerian government is focused on creating an enabling environment for investment, addressing security concerns, and forging technical partnerships with established mining nations. While challenges remain, Nigeria’s growing commitment to lithium mining underscores its potential to become a leader in Africa’s critical mineral industry.