Nigeria is emerging as a key player in the global lithium market, with international investors showing increasing interest in the country's lithium reserves. According to Segun Tomori, special assistant on media to Dele Alake, the minister of solid minerals development, lithium is the most sought-after mineral globally, driven by its critical role in producing electric vehicles, solar panels, and other green energy technologies.

Zimbabwe currently holds the largest share of lithium deposits in Africa, with significant Chinese investments. However, Nigeria is eager to claim a piece of the global market, with Africa projected to supply 20% of the world's lithium by 2030. This growing demand for lithium is driven by the increasing adoption of electric vehicles and green energy technologies worldwide.

In 2023, China's Ming Xin Mineral Separation Nig Ltd. was chosen by Kaduna State to build Nigeria's first lithium-processing plant, with plans to manufacture batteries for electric vehicles (EVs). Additionally, a lithium factory was inaugurated in 2024, bringing the total number of commissioned factories to two, with a third currently under construction. This rapid expansion of lithium processing capabilities positions Nigeria as a key player in the global clean energy transition.

Nigeria's new mining policy requires value addition to raw mineral ores before export, creating jobs and building industries. This policy has led to the rejection of a proposal from Tesla to purchase raw lithium from the country. Ayodeji Adeyemi, special assistant to the minister of mines and steel development, explained that the proposal was turned down because it did not align with Nigeria's new mining policies, which demand that investors add value to raw mineral ores before exporting.

Recently, President Ramaphosa of South Africa expressed his interest in collaborating with Nigeria to harness critical minerals, particularly lithium, to drive the green energy transition and support the development of EV batteries. This growing interest in Nigeria's lithium reserves highlights the country's potential to become a significant player in the global lithium market.

As Africa prepares to supply 20% of the world's lithium by 2030, Nigeria's efforts to develop its lithium processing capabilities are critical to meeting this goal. The country's new mining policy and growing investments in lithium processing factories demonstrate its commitment to becoming a key player in the global clean energy transition.

In conclusion, Nigeria's lithium reserves are attracting international investors, driven by the high demand for electric vehicles and green energy technologies. With Africa projected to supply 20% of the world's lithium by 2030, Nigeria's efforts to develop its lithium processing capabilities are crucial to meeting this goal and positioning the country as a key player in the global clean energy transition.