Nigeria’s substantial lithium deposits are attracting significant interest from foreign investors, driven by the escalating global demand for the mineral, essential in manufacturing electric vehicle batteries and mobile phones. Artisanal miners in regions like Nasarawa State are capitalizing on this opportunity, with individuals like Abdullahi Ibrahim Danjija earning approximately N150,000 ($100) daily by extracting and selling lithium-rich rocks.
Recognizing the potential of its high-grade lithium resources, the Nigerian government is actively seeking to attract foreign investment into the sector. The Director-General of the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency, Dr. Abdulrazaq Garba, highlighted that Nigeria’s lithium grades range from 1% to 13% lithium oxide content, surpassing the global standard of 0.4%. He emphasized that Nigeria’s hard rock lithium is particularly appealing to investors.
In a notable development, Jiuling Lithium Mining Company, a Chinese firm, has announced plans to invest over $200 million in establishing a lithium processing factory in the Endo community of Nasarawa State. The company aims to build one of the largest lithium mining operations in the state and has committed to offering competitive salaries, with graduates employed at the mining site earning a minimum of N500,000. 
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However, the surge in artisanal mining activities has raised concerns about illegal operations and environmental impacts. Many mining activities in Nigeria are small-scale and often lack proper permits, leading to unsafe practices and environmental degradation. The Nigerian government has been making efforts to regulate the sector, emphasizing the need for foreign investors to establish processing plants within the country to ensure value addition and compliance with environmental standards.
As Nigeria positions itself to become a key player in the global lithium market, the government’s focus remains on attracting responsible investments that adhere to regulatory frameworks, promote sustainable practices, and contribute to the nation’s economic growth.
