Nigeria is set to commission four lithium processing plants this year, marking a significant step in the country’s mining sector.
Nigeria is poised to commission four lithium processing plants before the end of 2025, with a combined investment exceeding $800 million. Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, announced that a $600 million plant near the Kaduna-Niger border is nearing completion, while a $200 million refinery near Abuja is also set to commence operations. Additionally, two more plants are under development in Nasarawa State, expected to be operational by the third quarter of the year.
Alake emphasized the government’s focus on local value addition, stating, “When we came into office, Nigeria’s solid minerals sector was underperforming. We made it clear that no one gets a mining license without showing a real plan for local processing.” This policy shift has led to a surge in investor interest, with over 10,000 applications received by the Mining Cadastral Office in the current quarter.
The new plants are anticipated to generate thousands of jobs and significantly contribute to Nigeria’s economy. Alake noted that the government’s efforts have resulted in a six-fold increase in mining sector revenue, from ₦6 billion in 2023 to ₦38 billion in 2024.
These developments align with President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda, aiming to diversify Nigeria’s economy and reduce dependency on oil exports. The establishment of these lithium processing facilities positions Nigeria as a key player in the global clean energy supply chain, leveraging its vast mineral resources for sustainable economic growth.