Nigeria has lithium reserves, government is cracking down on illegal operations

Nigeria, an emerging lithium hub, is making several arrests to crack down on illegal mining of the much-coveted mineral used in the production of rechargeable batteries and electric vehicles.

Recently, police and soldiers raided a market in Kishi, Oyo State, and arrested 32 people, including Chinese nationals, and seized large amounts of the mineral.

Profits from these criminal activities often fund armed groups in the north and increase conflicts, claims President Bola Tinubu, who seeks international help.

The West African nation has widespread illegal mining due to corruption and remote locations of mineral deposits. It is costing the government $9 billion annually, according to industry watchdog SBM Intelligence.

The country has also created a team of 2,200 mining marshals to stop resource theft. The government is also encouraging local miners to form cooperatives and operate legally.

Notably, Chinese companies, dominant in the global EV supply chain, often exploit local labor and damage the environment.