An increase in illicit mining activities has been reported in Nigeria as a result of the increased demand for lithium, a mineral essential to the development of renewable energy technology. Thousands of Nigerians and foreigners continue to profit from the illegal mining and trafficking of lithium, despite efforts by the Nigerian government to control the sector, resulting in large financial losses for the state.
Oganyi Franklin, a well-known player in this black market, made almost N7.6 million selling lithium that was obtained illegally in just three weeks. Lithium kunzite and other mineral types are marketed to consumers worldwide via social media platforms like Facebook and TikTok by Franklin and other dealers, including his business partner Adeshola Oladipupoare .
In areas like Kwara and Nasarawa states, where mining trenches are common and security personnel have little authority, the illicit trade flourishes. Lithium is extracted by workers in large, uncontrolled mines in places like Kakafu village in Kwara. The elements are then sold to purchasers through unofficial methods. Potential customers can test the quality of the products before making a larger purchase by using the samples that traders like Franklin provide.
However, inadequate regulation makes it more difficult for the government to stop this trade. The National Bureau of Statistics does not include lithium exports in its trade data, indicating that illicit financial flows go unchecked despite recent efforts to crack down on rogue miners.
The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development in Nigeria is cognisant of the theft of the nation’s resources, but the way it is set up now is inadequate to deal with the severity of the issue. Potential remedies include the ongoing efforts to create the Nigeria Solid Mineral Corporation and alter the 2007 Minerals and Mining Act. However, the illicit lithium trade is likely to continue without more robust enforcement and transparency in the mining industry, thus depriving the nation of vital funds required for its economic progress.
