The House of Representatives has called on the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development to prioritise lithium production as a key driver of revenue generation. This followed a motion raised by Rep. Victor Obuzor (PDP-Rivers) during a plenary session in Abuja.
Vanguard reports that Obuzor lamented the underdevelopment of Nigeria’s mining sector, despite its abundant resources. He highlighted lithium’s importance as a critical mineral in global clean energy transitions, with demand projected to rise 13-fold by 2040, according to the International Energy Agency.
Significant lithium deposits have been identified in states like Nasarawa, Kogi, and Ekiti, with samples containing up to 13% lithium oxide content—far exceeding the global average of 1–2%. However, exploration remains poorly funded, and Nigeria risks repeating mistakes from its oil and gas sector by neglecting midstream and downstream opportunities.
To address this, the House recommended establishing the Nigerian Lithium Production Agency to develop an integrated lithium value chain. The agency’s mandate would include drafting regulatory frameworks, developing mining infrastructure, and linking mining approvals to investments in processing and manufacturing.
Additionally, legislators urged increased funding for the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) to conduct advanced site mapping and surveys to assess lithium reserves accurately.
With lithium prices soaring—peaking at $68,100 per tonne in 2022—Nigeria is positioned to become a major player in the global energy market if the right policies and investments are implemented.
