Tinubu Inaugurates West Africa’s Largest Lithium Processing Plant in Nasarawa
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has inaugurated West Africa’s largest lithium processing plant in Nasarawa State, marking a major milestone in Nigeria’s drive to expand its mining sector and strengthen local value addition in the production of critical minerals.The newly commissioned facility has a daily processing capacity of 6,000 metric tonnes and an annual processing capacity of three million metric tonnes, making it one of the largest lithium processing plants on the African continent. The project is expected to significantly boost Nigeria’s position in the global lithium value chain.
Speaking at the inauguration, President Tinubu described the project as a major step toward economic diversification, industrialisation and job creation. He said the plant reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring that Nigeria processes its mineral resources locally rather than exporting raw materials with limited economic value.The lithium processing plant is expected to create thousands of direct and indirect jobs while attracting additional investments into Nigeria’s mining and manufacturing sectors. Industry experts believe the facility will also support the development of industries that rely on lithium, including battery manufacturing, electric vehicles and renewable energy technologies.Government officials noted that the project aligns with the administration’s strategy of promoting value addition in the solid minerals sector, increasing export earnings and reducing dependence on crude oil revenue. They added that local processing of lithium will enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness in the rapidly growing global market for critical minerals.
Analysts have described the inauguration as a significant boost to investor confidence, noting that global demand for lithium continues to rise due to its importance in producing rechargeable batteries for electric vehicles, smartphones and energy storage systems.The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to supporting responsible mining, encouraging private sector investment and developing infrastructure that will unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s abundant mineral resources. The commissioning of the plant is expected to strengthen the country’s ambition of becoming a leading hub for lithium processing and mineral beneficiation in Africa.
