INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LATEST TECHNOLOGY IN ENGINEERING,

MANAGEMENT & APPLIED SCIENCE (IJLTEMAS)

ISSN 2278-2540 | DOI: 10.51583/IJLTEMAS | Volume XIV, Issue XI, November 2025

The Future of Nigeria's Lithium Resources: IndustrialApplications and

Prospects – AReview

I, Isa^1,2, E.O Ajaka¹, A.O Adebayo³, O.O Alabi⁴

¹Department of Mining Engineering, Federal University of Technology Akure, Nigeria

²Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources Engineering, Kaduna Polytechnic, Kaduna

³Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Technology Akure, Nigeria

⁴Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engg, Federal University of Technology Akure, Nigeria

DOI: https://doi.org/10.51583/IJ L T EMAS.2025.1411000047

Received: 10 November 2025; Accepted: 20 November 2025; Published: 08 December 2025

ABSTRACT

Nigeria is home to significant lithium resources, particularly in regions such as Nasarawa, Kaduna, Oyo, Kwara,

Kogi, Ekiti, and Plateau. These lithium-bearing pegmatites, mainly consisting of spodumene and lepidolite,

contain high-grade lithium oxide (Li₂O) concentrations that are in demand globally due to the crucial role lithium

plays in the development of clean energy technologies. As the world transitions away from fossil fuels, lithium

is at the forefront of this shift, particularly in applications such as electric vehicle (EV) batteries, renewable

energy storage systems, and consumer electronics. With the global market for lithium growing at an

unprecedented rate, Nigeria stands poised to become a key player in the global lithium supply chain. However,

while Nigeria’s lithium resources have the potential to bring significant economic benefits, the country’s lithium

industry faces multiple challenges. Illegal mining practices, particularly in regions like Nasarawa’s Wamba

community, have resulted in environmental degradation and human rights violations, including child labor.

Additionally, foreign involvement in illegal mining activities, especially from countries such as China,

complicates efforts to regulate the sector. Despite these challenges, there are substantial opportunities for growth

and development in Nigeria’s lithium industry. To fully realize the economic potential of its lithium resources,

Nigeria must focus on several key areas: the establishment of robust regulatory frameworks, the adoption of

sustainable mining technologies, the development of critical infrastructure, and the promotion of public-private

partnerships. With the right policies and investments, Nigeria can become a leading supplier of lithium for global

clean energy technologies. This paper provides an overview of Nigeria’s lithium resources, exploring the current

state of the industry, challenges faced, and strategies for leveraging these resources to contribute to the global

clean energy transition while ensuring the country’s long-term economic growth and environmental

sustainability.

Keywords: : Lithium Resources, Renewable Energy Storage, Lithium Extraction, Illegal Mining, Environmental

Sustainability, Beneficiation Technologies.

Definition of terms:

DMS (Dense Medium Separation): A beneficiation process used to separate minerals based on their density,

enhancing the concentration of valuable minerals like lithium from gangue.

EV (Electric Vehicle): A vehicle powered by electricity stored in batteries, such as lithium-ion batteries, rather

than traditional internal combustion engines, contributing to cleaner transportation.

Beneficiation: The process of improving the quality of ore by removing unwanted minerals (gangue), thereby

increasing the concentration of valuable minerals like lithium.

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Froth Flotation: A mineral processing technique that separates valuable minerals from gangue by using air

bubbles to selectively attach to the desired minerals.

Leaching: A chemical process that extracts valuable metals, such as lithium, from ores by dissolving them in

a solvent, typically following roasting.

INTRODUCTION

Nigeria's lithium resources are increasingly becoming a focal point in discussions about the future of clean

energy and technological advancements. The country is endowed with significant lithium-bearing pegmatites,

particularly in regions such as Nasarawa, Oyo, Kwara, Kogi, Ekiti, and Plateau. These deposits, primarily

composed of spodumene and lepidolite, are known to contain high-grade lithium oxide (Li₂O) concentrations,

with some ores surpassing the global cutoff grade of 0.4% Li₂O (Isa et al., 2025). As the global demand for

lithium continues to rise, particularly driven by its crucial role in electric vehicle (EV) batteries, renewable

energy storage systems, and consumer electronics, Nigeria stands poised to play a critical role in the global

lithium market.

Lithium as a Strategic Resource

The industrial applications of lithium are vast and growing. Lithium-ion batteries are essential for powering

electric vehicles (EVs), which are central to the global push for reducing carbon emissions and transitioning

away from fossil fuel-dependent transportation systems. Lithium is also used in energy storage systems for

renewable energy sources like solar and wind, providing the necessary technology for storing intermittent

energy. With the increasing adoption of these technologies worldwide, the demand for lithium has surged

dramatically, making it one of the most sought-after commodities for clean energy (Isa et al., 2025).

Nigeria’s lithium deposits are ideally suited for meeting this demand, given their high purity levels. This

positions Nigeria as a potential hub for lithium extraction and processing, with significant implications for its

economy and the global clean energy transition. In particular, recent investments in the country’s lithium sector,

such as a $1.3 billion deal for lithium processing plants in Nasarawa State, are signals of Nigeria’s increasing

importance in the global supply chain (Isa et al., 2024). These developments are in line with the global trend of

securing stable and sustainable sources of lithium, particularly as countries and industries seek to build out their

electric vehicle fleets and energy storage capabilities.

Current State of Nigeria’s Lithium Industry

Despite the promising outlook, Nigeria’s lithium industry faces several challenges that must be addressed to

unlock its full potential. The first major hurdle is the issue of illegal mining. Informal, unregulated mining

activities, particularly in regions such as Nasarawa’s Pasali community, have raised concerns about

environmental degradation and human rights violations. Children, as young as six years old, are reported to work

in hazardous conditions in these illegal mines, with little to no regard for safety or sustainability (Isa et al., 2025).

The environmental impacts of such operations are equally concerning, with the potential for significant

destruction of local ecosystems due to unregulated mining practices and improper waste disposal.

The presence of foreign buyers, particularly from countries such as China, has complicated the situation. These

buyers often engage in illicit transactions with local mining operators, contributing to the spread of illegal mining

activities. As such, there is an urgent need for regulatory frameworks that can effectively manage and supervise

mining activities in Nigeria, ensuring that the lithium extraction process is both environmentally sustainable and

socially responsible.

The Role of Technological Innovation in Shaping the Future

To fully harness the economic potential of its lithium resources, Nigeria must adopt more efficient and

sustainable mining and processing techniques. One promising area is the use of advanced beneficiation

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technologies, such as flotation and dense medium separation (DMS), which can improve the yield and quality

of lithium extracted from pegmatite ores (Isa et al., 2025). For instance, flotation methods have been shown to

enhance the recovery of lithium from spodumene-rich ores, improving both the grade and quantity of lithium

produced. Furthermore, the adoption of innovative technologies like nanotechnology in mineral processing could

improve operational efficiencies and reduce the environmental footprint of lithium extraction processes (Isa et

al., 2024).

Economic and Environmental Sustainability

Aside from technological advancements, Nigeria’s lithium sector must prioritize environmental sustainability.

While the extraction of lithium can be economically beneficial, the environmental costs of mining and processing

must be minimized. This includes adopting sustainable mining practices, such as reducing water and energy

consumption, limiting land degradation, and ensuring that waste disposal practices are environmentally safe.

The government of Nigeria, in collaboration with industry stakeholders, will need to develop and implement

policies that balance economic growth with environmental protection. These efforts will not only ensure the

long-term viability of the lithium industry but also promote the country’s standing as a responsible player in the

global supply chain for clean energy technologies.

The Path Forward: Policy, Investment, and Innovation

To unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s lithium resources, several key actions are required. First, the government

must establish robust policies and regulatory frameworks to ensure that lithium extraction is done sustainably,

with proper oversight of both environmental and social aspects. This includes the enforcement of laws to curb

illegal mining activities and the establishment of clear guidelines for mining companies to follow in their

operations.

Second, there is a need for continued investment in infrastructure, particularly in the areas of transportation,

processing, and storage. With the influx of foreign investments into Nigeria’s lithium sector, the country must

ensure that it has the necessary infrastructure to handle the processing of lithium on an industrial scale. This

includes building world-class lithium processing plants, improving access to mining sites, and developing

reliable storage systems for the raw material.

Lastly, fostering innovation in the lithium sector will be crucial for Nigeria to remain competitive on the global

stage. Investing in research and development, particularly in the areas of beneficiation technologies and

sustainable mining practices, will position Nigeria as a leader in the global lithium market.

METHOD

There is an ever-increasing output of scientific publications concerning lithium resources driven by recent

demand for this, until now, relatively unfamiliar metal. This paper provides an up to-date

overview of the literature in this specific area and brings together relevant material from various sources. Articles

included in this review were accessed from journal databases, bibliographic databases, and subject-specific

professional websites. The inclusion criteria for articles comprised of only relevant peer-reviewed qualitative

and quantitative articles related to both the uses and sources of lithium globally.

Lithium: Properties, Deposits, and Uses

Lithium is a soft, silvery-white alkali metal, the lightest metal in the periodic table, and the only metal that is

liquid at room temperature. Its chemical symbol, Li, comes from the Greek word lithos, meaning stone, reflecting

its occurrence in mineral forms. Lithium is highly reactive, particularly with water, and is primarily found in

nature in mineral form, such as spodumene, petalite, lepidolite, and ambligonite, which are the main lithium-

bearing minerals. Lithium is often extracted from lithium-rich pegmatite deposits or brines, which are the

primary sources of lithium globally.

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The industrial uses of lithium are vast and growing. Its most prominent use is in the production of lithium-ion

batteries, which power electric vehicles (EVs), consumer electronics, and renewable energy storage systems.

The demand for lithium has surged due to the rapid growth of the electric vehicle market, the shift to renewable

energy sources, and the increasing use of portable electronics. Aside from its applications in batteries, lithium is

also used in the production of high-performance lubricants, heat-resistant glass, ceramics, and in the

pharmaceutical industry for treating bipolar disorder (Isa et al., 2025).

Global Lithium Deposits

The global distribution of lithium is concentrated in a few key regions. Some of the largest lithium reserves are

located in the Lithium Triangle, which includes parts of Chile, Argentina, and Bolivia. These countries together

hold more than 50% of the world's lithium reserves, primarily in lithium-rich brines. Australia is also a significant

player in the global lithium market, with its Greenbushes lithium mine, one of the largest and most productive

lithium mines in the world, primarily extracting lithium from hard rock deposits (Isa et al., 2024).

Other countries such as China, Zimbabwe, and Canada also have substantial lithium resources. In China, both

brine and hard rock deposits are utilized, while Zimbabwe is an emerging lithium supplier, with considerable

spodumene deposits. Despite these global leaders, Africa is increasingly becoming an important source of

lithium, particularly Zimbabwe, which has been recognized as Africa's top lithium producer (Energy Capital &

Power, 2025).

Lithium in Africa

Africa’s lithium potential is attracting significant attention from global investors and miners. Zimbabwe is the

largest lithium producer in Africa, with large reserves found in the Bikita and Kamativi mines. Zimbabwe's

lithium reserves are significant, and the country is working to develop its lithium extraction capabilities to meet

the rising global demand for this strategic resource (Isa et al., 2024).

In South Africa, the Blesberg lithium deposit in the Northern Cape has gained attention for its potential to boost

Africa's contribution to global lithium production. The development of lithium projects in Mali and Namibia

also suggests that Africa’s lithium reserves are diverse and growing, presenting further opportunities for

development and investment (Energy Capital & Power, 2025).

Nigeria, as one of Africa’s emerging lithium producers, holds significant potential for lithium extraction. Several

states, including Nasarawa, Kogi, Oyo, Kwara, and Plateau, are home to lithium deposits, primarily in the form

of spodumene, petalite, and lepidolite (Olajuyi et al., 2025). In 2018, a Nigerian mining company, Kian Smith

Trade & Co, discovered significant lithium deposits in Nasarawa State, with estimates indicating over 15,000

tonnes of commercial lithium content (Reuters, 2023). This discovery has sparked increased interest in Nigeria’s

lithium industry, positioning the country as a potential key player in the lithium supply chain.

Figure 1: The Lithium and Tantalum Belts in Nigeria’s Pegmatite Province (Isa et al., 2024)

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Lithium in Nigeria: Current and Future Prospects

Nigeria’s lithium resources remain largely untapped, but recent discoveries suggest a significant potential

for both extraction and processing. The lithium-bearing deposits in Nasarawa and Oyo are among the most

notable in Nigeria. These areas contain high-grade minerals that are well-suited for commercial lithium

production. The Nigerian government, in collaboration with private stakeholders, has started to focus on

developing this resource. In particular, there are increasing investments aimed at establishing lithium processing

plants, including a $1.3 billion deal for processing facilities in Nasarawa State (Isa et al., 2024).

Despite this potential, Nigeria faces several challenges in fully exploiting its lithium resources. One major issue

is the prevalence of illegal mining activities in certain regions, especially in Nasarawa’s Pasali community,

where unregulated mining has led to significant environmental and social issues. Reports indicate that child labor

is prevalent in these illegal mining operations, with children working in dangerous conditions under informal

arrangements with foreign buyers, including Chinese firms (Isa et al., 2025). To address these issues, the

Nigerian government must implement stricter regulations and oversight to ensure sustainable mining practices

and protect local communities.

Deposit

State

Associated Minerals

Pegmatite

Panda

Nasarawa

Kogi

Wamba

Quartzite

Kabba

Quartzite

Kushaka, Birnin Gwari

Isanlu Egbe

Ilesha

Niger

Pegmatite/Petalite

Pegmatite

Kogi

Osun

Pegmatite

Ijero Aramoko

Arikya Tsauni

Kafin Maiyarki

Itakpe Area

Oke Ogun

Ago Iwoye

Hong

Ekiti

Pegmatite

Nasarawa

Kogi

Pegmatite and Quartzite

Granite

Quartzite and Pegmatite

Quartzite

Oyo

Ogun

Pegmatite

Adamawa

Zamfara

Kaduna

Plateau

Bauchi

Lepidolite/Kunzite

Petalite

Zuru

Kafanchan

Lere

Spodumene/Kunzite

Petalite

Jos-South

Ganjuwa

Quartzite/Lepidolite

Lithium Oxide/Lithia

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Gidan Boda, Baruten

Keffi

Kwara

Spodumene

Nasarawa

Lepidolite

MMSD, 2022

Figure 2: Geological Map of Nigeria Showing Major Rock Groups (MMSD, 2022)

Geology of Lithium Deposits in Nigeria

The geology of lithium deposits in Nigeria is associated with a complex interconnection of diverse geological

frameworks prevalent in the region. This framework includes a wide array of rock formations, such as igneous,

metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks, all of which play a significant role in the formation and distribution of

lithium deposits.

Nigeria’s Precambrian Basement Complex comprises crystalline igneous and metamorphic rocks, forming the

oldest geological foundation of the country. This complex is interspersed with sedimentary basins of Cretaceous

and Cenozoic age (Olajuyi et al., 2025). Lithium-bearing minerals such as lepidolite, spodumene, and petalite

are primarily found in pegmatite fields, which are steeply inclined intrusive bodies within the basement rocks of

gneisses and schistose assemblages, occasionally pulsed with isolated granitic bodies (Olajuyi et al., 2025).

These pegmatites are rich in lithium and other valuable minerals like tantalum, niobium, tin, and beryllium, with

significant deposits in Kogi, Nasarawa, Ekiti, Kwara, Cross River, Oyo, and Plateau States (Olajuyi et al., 2025).

The lepidolite from the Ijero-Aramoko pegmatite field exhibits a layered structure with high silica content

(49.43%–57.81%) and notable concentrations of lithium (1,656 ppm–1,859 ppm), along with aluminium and

potassium, making it suitable for industrial applications such as lithium-ion batteries and pharmaceuticals

(Olajuyi et al., 2025). Additionally, the polylithionite ore from Keffi in Nigeria has been successfully extracted

in chloride media, demonstrating a high lithium leaching efficiency of 83.82% under optimal conditions (Olajuyi

et al., 2025).

The geological settings of these lithium deposits are further characterized by the presence of various rock types,

including charnockite and granite, which are part of the older granite suite occupying significant portions of the

area (Olajuyi et al., 2025). The diverse mineralogy and geochemical characteristics of lithium-containing rocks

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are evident, primarily associated with high silica and barium content, indicating a sedimentary protolith origin

derived from a continental environment (Olajuyi et al., 2025).

Nigeria’s rich endowment of lithium and other solid mineral resources underscores the potential for economic

diversification from petroleum exploration. Research and technological advancement are also targeted at

achieving local beneficiation and refining of these ores or minerals-containing rocks to drive economic growth

and create wealth for the citizenry (Olajuyi et al., 2025). Nigeria’s geological, structural, and tectonic settings

have not only facilitated the exploitation of these mineral deposits but have also contributed to the

geomorphological evolution of the landscapes, offering considerable aesthetic and touristic potential (Olajuyi et

al., 2025).

Nigeria’s Lithium Belt

Nigeria’s lithium deposits are dispersed within the WSE-ENE trending zone called the Lithium Belt or pegmatite

metallogenic province. This zone spans over 700 km, covering an area from Oyo State in Southwestern Nigeria

to Plateau State in the north-central region. As mentioned, the belt is characterized by Lithium-Caesium-

Tantalum (LCT) pegmatites that are rich in lithium-bearing minerals, including lepidolite and spodumene.

Similarly, the zone lies within the Precambrian basement complex, as indicated on the geological map. In

addition to the LCT pegmatites, the rare-metal pegmatites form a new lithium belt, slightly north and west of the

Tin-Tantalum Belt.

Overall, the Nigerian Lithium Belt reveals a vast lithium mineralization that is rich in high-grade lithium ores,

with some low- to medium-grade metasediments embedded in metavolcanic rocks of the Proterozoic Schist

Belts.

Major Lithium Ore Deposits in Nigeria

Nigeria possesses a substantial reserve of lithium ore deposits, which have garnered increasing significance in

response to the escalating worldwide need for lithium, particularly for lithium-ion batteries and other sustainable

energy applications. The primary lithium ore reserves are located in Kogi, Nasarawa, Ekiti, Kwara, Cross River,

Oyo, and Plateau States. These deposits contain various lithium-bearing minerals such as amblygonite,

lepidolite, spodumene, and petalite, essential for the production of lithium-ion batteries used in numerous high-

tech devices and electric vehicles (Olajuyi et al., 2025).

Specifically, the polylithionite ore from Keffi, Nasarawa State, has been studied for its lithium content, showing

promising results with a lithium assay of 3.25 wt% and an extraction efficiency of 83.82% under optimal

conditions (Olajuyi et al., 2025). Additionally, the Egbe District in Kabba Province of Kogi State is notable for

its nigerite-group minerals, containing essential lithium, as demonstrated by Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry

(SIMS) analysis (Olajuyi et al., 2025). The financial market theory of development has been applied to optimize

lithium ore exploration in Nasarawa State, revealing high lithium presence, with concentrations exceeding 1,859

parts per million (ppm) (Olajuyi et al., 2025).

Uses of Lithium

Lithium’s primary industrial applications are in the production of lithium-ion batteries, which are essential for

modern energy systems. These batteries are used in electric vehicles (EVs), which are pivotal to reducing carbon

emissions and transitioning to renewable energy sources. Lithium-ion batteries also serve as energy storage

systems for solar and wind power, making them crucial for the expansion of renewable energy infrastructure (Isa

et al., 2025).

In addition to energy storage, lithium is used in the production of high-performance lubricants, especially

lithium-based greases, which are vital in automotive and industrial machinery. Lithium ceramics are another

important use, as lithium compounds help lower the melting point of glass, making it more durable and resistant

to thermal shock. This property is particularly useful in the production of heat-resistant glass, such as that used

in cookware, windows, and televisions (HealthDirect, 2025).

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Environmental and Social Challenges

While lithium mining offers significant economic opportunities, it also poses environmental and social risks.

The mining and processing of lithium can lead to habitat destruction, pollution, and the depletion of water

resources, especially in areas where brines are extracted for lithium. Moreover, the issue of child labor in some

African and South American mining operations is a major concern. The presence of informal mining activities

in regions like Nasarawa has led to violations of human rights, making it critical for governments and companies

to establish fair and ethical labor practices and environmentally responsible mining techniques (Isa et al., 2025).

Lithium Ores Processing in Nigeria

The lithium extraction process begins with mining, where ore deposits are identified and extracted using

conventional methods. The choice of mining technique depends on various factors, including the depth, size,

and economic viability of the deposits. After extraction, the ore undergoes crushing and grinding, a mechanical

process that breaks the ore into smaller particles. This process, known as comminution, reduces the ore's size

and helps efficiently release and separate lithium from other minerals. The aim is to achieve a fine enough

particle size to optimize the recovery process (Isa et al., 2025).

Once the ore is crushed and ground, froth flotation is used to separate and concentrate lithium minerals, such as

spodumene and lepidolite, from other minerals in the pegmatitic deposits. Froth flotation is a mineral processing

method that exploits differences in the surface properties of minerals, enabling the selective separation of lithium

minerals based on their ability to adhere to air bubbles, which are then floated to the surface. Studies of lithium

ore deposits in Europe have shown that froth flotation can produce Li2O concentrates, although challenges such

as fine quartz and albite inclusions can reduce the process's effectiveness (Isa et al., 2025). Depending on the

ore's specific characteristics, flotation can be performed through either direct or reverse flotation.

Following flotation, the concentrate undergoes roasting, a thermal process that converts lithium minerals into

water-soluble compounds, making them ready for the next stage—leaching. Roasting is a vital step in lithium

extraction, as it enhances the accessibility of lithium for further extraction. For instance, Philippe Yolka’s study

on lithium recovery from spent lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) demonstrated that sulfuric acid roasting at 750 °C

efficiently converts lithium oxide into lithium sulfate, which can then be dissolved in water for further processing

(Isa et al., 2025). Another method, explored by Dong et al. (2024), involves calcium sulfate roasting of overhaul

slag, which also transforms lithium into a soluble form, aiding subsequent extraction and refining.

These essential processing steps—from mining to roasting—are critical to lithium recovery and refining in

Nigeria. With extensive lithium reserves, primarily in Kogi, Nasarawa, Ekiti, Kwara, Cross River, Oyo, and

Plateau States, Nigeria has the potential to play a significant role in the global lithium supply, especially as the

demand for lithium-ion batteries and other sustainable energy technologies continues to rise (Isa et al., 2025).

Nigeria Government Contributions towards Safe and Sustainable Lithium Mining and processing

The global demand for lithium has surged with the transition to clean energy, which is vital for driving renewable

energy sources and advancing battery technology. Ensuring a steady supply of lithium is key to making this

energy transition sustainable, and this requires efficient lithium ore mining and the use of environmentally

friendly extraction methods. The government plays a crucial role in addressing illegal mining, enforcing mining

regulations, and protecting resources, miners, the mining community, and the environment. However, illegal

mining activities in Nigeria remain a complex issue due to poor documentation, limited data on these activities,

and a lack of detailed location information. While licensed miners are organized into formal groups, formalizing

the activities of illegal miners has been challenging due to economic hardship, corruption, and terrorism.

Tackling these developmental issues in lithium extraction will enhance the confidence of licensed mining

companies, attract potential investors, and ensure a sustainable supply of lithium and other rare earth minerals

crucial for the energy transition.

Nigeria has intensified its efforts to combat illegal lithium mining. Recent operations have led to the arrest of

foreign nationals and local illegal miners, highlighting the involvement of foreign entities in these activities.

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Illegal mining is linked to several issues, including banditry and corruption. The government’s efforts to

formalize artisanal and small-scale miners, along with the enactment of mining regulations, have helped reduce

illegal mining and the extraction of lithium and other minerals in Nigeria. Additionally, the reactivation of the

Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF) through a partnership with the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC)

will stimulate private sector investment in mining, support promising mining projects, and provide funding for

sustainable lithium extraction. This partnership will also facilitate the construction of midstream processing

plants for lithium, nickel, and other critical energy transition metals in Nigeria, essential for the global clean

energy transition, increased investment, and environmental protection.

The Nigerian government has also introduced the Electronic Mining Cadastre System (eMC+), a digital platform

that streamlines the online management of mineral titles. Since its launch, the platform has increased revenue

generation for the government, ensuring transparency and efficiency in the licensing process. However, there

are no records of sanctions against illegal miners or the closure of illegal mining operations. While the platform

aims to improve communication between the government and industry stakeholders, its main impact has been

in boosting revenue generation rather than addressing mining practices, processes, and the people involved. A

comprehensive data collection and analysis of lithium mining activities are crucial for formalizing the industry

and its participants, ensuring that digital systems and processes can truly transform the mining sector.

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

Nigeria’s lithium deposits offer significant economic growth potential, driven by the global demand for clean

energy technologies like electric vehicles and renewable energy storage. However, the industry faces challenges

such as illegal mining, environmental degradation, and social issues like child labor. To unlock its full potential,

Nigeria must strengthen mining regulations, promote sustainable practices, and invest in infrastructure and

technological advancements. Public-private partnerships and initiatives like the Electronic Mining Cadastre

System will be key in fostering a responsible, transparent mining sector. By addressing these challenges, Nigeria

can become a leading, responsible supplier of lithium in the global market, contributing to the clean energy

transition.

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