Alake: Chinese firms pumped $1.3bn into Nigeria’s lithium value-chain in two years

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, says Chinese mining and technology firms have committed more than $1.3 billion to lithium processing projects in Nigeria since he assumed office in September 2023.

Alake, who spoke at the 2025 China Mining Conference in Tianjin, listed Canmax Technology, Jiuling Lithium, Avatar New Energy Nigeria and Asba among companies that have taken major positions in the country’s emerging lithium value-chain.

According to a statement issued on Monday by his media aide, Segun Tomori, the minister urged more foreign investors to take advantage of ongoing reforms and the improved security architecture in the solid minerals space to expand their stakes in gold, lead-zinc, barite, rare earths and other strategic minerals.

He said the Federal Government has tightened security around licensed miners through the deployment of mining marshals and satellite surveillance systems to curb illegal extraction and sabotage. He added that upgrades in technology — including the electronic cadastre, the national decision system for mineral resources and a centre of excellence — have made it easier to process applications and conduct business in the sector.

The minister stressed that the influx of Chinese capital is supporting economic diversification, technology transfer and local capacity development through joint ventures that pair Nigerian engineers with foreign expertise.

On the continental front, Alake canvassed for stronger African cooperation on mineral exploration standards and knowledge-sharing. He said Nigeria is strengthening regional centres of excellence in geosciences and expanding the Solid Minerals Development Fund to support early-stage exploration and de-risk private capital.

Alake restated that the administration’s vision is not only to extract mineral resources but to build a globally competitive value-chain that anchors clean-energy transition, industrial growth and jobs — under a framework of responsible mining.