The undercurrent of exploitation in Nigeria’s lithium mining supply chain

November 24, 2025

Nigeria's recently discovered lithium deposits have attracted significant Chinese investment, with over 80 percent of lithium mining projects now financed by Chinese investors as China seeks to strengthen its position as a global mining superpower. Since September 2023, Chinese companies have invested more than $1. 3 billion in Nigeria's lithium processing sector, with the Nigerian government requiring all minerals to be processed domestically before export to create local jobs and add value.

Who is affected

Artisanal miners like Abdullahi Sabiu and lithium trader Aliyu Ibrahim working in informal mining operations
Children in low-income communities in Nassarawa, Kogi, Kwara, Ekiti, and Cross River states who engage in illegal mining
Nigerian workers and engineers gaining skills through joint ventures with Chinese companies
Chinese companies including Canmax Technology, Jiuling Lithium, Avatar New Energy Nigeria Company, Asba, and BYD
Nigerian companies including Electric Motor Vehicle Company (EMVC), Saglev, and CFAO
Communities living in lithium-rich areas experiencing environmental damage
The Nigerian working-age population affected by employment rate changes

What action is being taken

Chinese companies are investing in lithium processing facilities and mining operations across Nigeria
Chinese manufacturer BYD is establishing operations through a partnership with French company CFAO
Nigerian conglomerates EMVC and Saglev are manufacturing electric vehicles using lithium
Chinese companies are involved in both exploration and processing of lithium in Nigeria
Artisanal miners are illegally extracting lithium in multiple Nigerian states
Plans are underway to establish electric vehicle factories

Why it matters

This development is significant because it represents Nigeria's effort to diversify its economy away from oil dependence while positioning itself as a player in the global green energy transition. The lithium mining partnership with China addresses the critical need for raw materials in battery production and electric vehicle manufacturing, which are essential for combating climate change. However, the situation highlights the tension between economic development and social justice, as vulnerable populations including children resort to dangerous, illegal mining to survive while international companies benefit from the resulting supply chains. The case illustrates broader challenges facing African nations attempting to leverage natural resources for development while protecting their citizens and environment from exploitation.

What's next

Plans are underway to establish electric vehicle manufacturing factories in Nigeria
Nigerian activists are calling for greater regulations and international safeguards to prevent exploitative labor practices
Geology consultant Safinatu Mohamed Sani is advocating for implementation of five sustainability measures: low-impact mining techniques, reuse of mining waste, environmentally friendly equipment, rehabilitation of mining sites, and closure of illegal mining sites
The Nigerian government continues to invite investors and development partners to explore opportunities in lithium, gold, lead-zinc, barite, and rare earths

Read full article from source: Global Voices