Nigeria is poised to strengthen its position in the global lithium market with the completion of a 6,000-metric-tonne lithium processing plant in Nasarawa State. According to Governor Abdullahi Sule, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to commission the facility upon his return from a short vacation. The plant, built by a Chinese investor, represents a significant milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to unlock the economic potential of its solid minerals sector.
The new facility is a testament to growing investor confidence in Nasarawa State, which was bolstered by the commissioning of a 3,000-metric-tonne lithium processing plant in 2024. The earlier project attracted additional investors after confirming the state’s high-quality lithium deposits. Governor Sule noted that the latest development is a direct result of this confidence, with another group of investors completing the 6,000-metric-tonne facility due to the quality and commercial quantity of lithium in the region.
Lithium, a crucial component in rechargeable batteries used for electric vehicles and renewable energy storage, has become a highly sought-after mineral globally. The growing demand for lithium is expected to be met in part by the Nasarawa project, which will not only boost Nigeria’s position in the international market but also create jobs and stimulate economic growth in the state.
The project is a strategic step in Nigeria’s drive to industrialize its solid minerals sector, reduce raw mineral exports, and create local value chains. By processing lithium locally, Nigeria can add value to its mineral resources and reduce its reliance on exporting raw materials. This approach is expected to have a positive impact on the country’s economy and contribute to its overall development.
The commissioning of the 6,000-metric-tonne lithium processing plant is a significant development for Nigeria’s solid minerals sector, and its impact is expected to be felt both locally and internationally. As the global demand for lithium continues to grow, Nigeria is well-positioned to become a major player in the market, with the Nasarawa project serving as a key driver of this growth.
