Nigeria’s lithium, copper reserves key to clean energy transition – Report

Nigeria is stepping up its commitment to green industrialisation, marked by a recent handover of a significant report on critical minerals to the Minister of Solid Mineral Development, Dr. Dele Alake. This event took place during the African Forum on New Industrial Strategies (AFNIS) 2026, continuing a dialogue initiated at AFNIS 2024. The report was presented by the Council for Critical Minerals Development in the Global South, which has been working in tandem with the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and Core International to produce this comprehensive analysis. The ceremony occurred at the State House Conference Centre within the Presidential Villa in Abuja, underscoring the government's prioritization of this initiative.

The Council for Critical Minerals Development in the Global South functions as a collaborative platform aimed at assisting emerging economies in establishing secure, local mineral supply chains that can fuel their domestic industrial growth. According to the report, Nigeria possesses substantial reserves of lithium, copper, and bauxite—minerals crucial for advancing the nation's green energy transition. These findings highlight the potential for Nigeria to harness its natural resources to meet both domestic and international demands for clean energy technologies.

Dr. Dele Alake emphasized the importance of the report, stating that it offers specific policy pathways based on detailed analyses of domestic demand, supply, and trade patterns. The document outlines how Nigeria can strategically utilize its mineral wealth to achieve its green industrialisation goals. By identifying current supply and trade positions, the report pinpoints existing gaps and proposes strategic measures to address them effectively. This approach ensures that Nigeria can move towards becoming a leader in sustainable resource utilization while reducing dependency on foreign imports.

The report establishes a clear connection between Nigeria's aspirations for clean energy and its mineral resources. It examines the national demand for solar photovoltaic systems, energy storage solutions, and electric vehicles. Additionally, it evaluates the present state of supply and trade dynamics, highlighting areas where improvements are necessary. The strategic pathways outlined in the report aim to bridge these gaps and ensure that Nigeria can fully capitalize on its mineral endowments.

Looking ahead, the Council, supported by Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) and the Global South Centre for Clean Transportation, along with the University of California, Davis' Institute of Transportation Studies, plans to focus on developing a mineral-to-manufacturing localisation roadmap. This strategy seeks to retain more economic value within the country by promoting local production capabilities. Furthermore, the Council intends to foster greater South-South investment partnerships, connecting Nigeria with manufacturers and investors across the Global South. These collaborations are designed to enhance green industrialisation projects and strengthen ties with local stakeholders.

The Council for Critical Minerals Development in the Global South operates under the umbrella of SEforALL and the Global South Centre for Clean Transportation. Its primary objective is to provide targeted data and analytical insights that facilitate South-South and international cooperation, supporting emerging economies in building secure mineral supply chains. This initiative not only aids in achieving domestic industrialization but also aligns with broader developmental goals. The Council assists governments in crafting and executing strategies that promote mineral beneficiation, ensuring that there are forward-looking connections to national or regional manufacturing value chains. Through these efforts, Nigeria is poised to take a leading role in the global shift toward sustainable industrial practices.