Is Nigeria a leader in the global lithium market?

Nigeria’s vast lithium reserves, estimated to be worth over $34 billion, is attracting global demand. Lithium is a key component in the production of batteries for electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy storage systems. Nigeria is positioning itself to become a major player in the global lithium market.

What is the cost of lithium in Nigeria?

The cost of lithium in Nigeria is currently unknown. In 2002, lithium price was averagely US$2,000 per metric ton, rising to US$18,000 in 2018. The find in Nigeria simply points to the potential of Nigerian pegmatites for lithium resource. Full exploration will be necessary to determine the cost of lithium in Nigeria. The lithium supply chain involves converting lithium minerals to lithium concentrates and lithium hydroxides.

Can Nigeria become a major player in lithium-ion battery production?

Nigeria faces a long journey to becoming a major player in the lithium-ion battery production industry. The entire lithium battery-grade compound production process requires significant energy resources, technological expertise, infrastructure, and essential chemical supply chains, which the country currently lacks.

Is there high-grade lithium in Nigeria?

High-grade lithium has been discovered in Nigeria. In 2019 the total production volume of lithium, not high grade, in Nigeria reached 50 metric tons This is small compared to Zimbabwe which produced 1,200 metric tons the same year. The Conversation Africa's Wale Fatade asked geologist Ibrahim Garba for his insights.

Why should Nigeria invest in lithium?

With strategic planning, investment, and efforts to address infrastructure deficits and regulatory bottlenecks, Nigeria can leverage its lithium deposits to drive economic growth, industrialisation, and a sustainable energy future.

Is lithium gaining traction in Nigeria?

Today, the quest for lithium is gaining traction in Nigeria, with competition becoming increasingly fierce. In Nigeria, lithium is currently mined in Nassarawa, Kogi, Kwara, Ekiti, and Cross River States. In 2018, Kian Smith Trade & Co, a Nigerian mining company, announced the discovery of 15,000 tonnes of commercial lithium in Nigeria.