The Federal Government has commissioned Nigeria’s largest lithium processing plant, a major milestone in the country’s drive to expand local mineral processing, attract industrial investment and reduce dependence on crude oil exports.
Located in Endo Community in Nasarawa Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, the facility is owned by Diamond New Energy Company Ltd. It has the capacity to process 6,000 metric tonnes of lithium ore daily, translating to an annual processing capacity of approximately three million metric tonnes.
The project was inaugurated by President Bola Tinubu through Vice President Kashim Shettima, who described the investment as a reflection of the administration’s commitment to accelerating industrialisation, deepening economic diversification and building a stronger value-added solid minerals sector. Brandspur Banking News Desk reports that the development aligns with the Federal Government’s broader strategy to encourage local beneficiation of Nigeria’s mineral resources instead of exporting raw materials.
Lithium has become one of the world’s most sought-after critical minerals due to its central role in manufacturing rechargeable batteries used in electric vehicles, mobile phones, laptops and large-scale energy storage systems. Rising global demand for clean energy technologies has increased competition among countries seeking to develop domestic lithium processing capacity.
The commissioning of the Nasarawa facility is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s position in the global critical minerals market while creating employment opportunities, supporting technology transfer and attracting additional investment into the country’s mining industry.
The Federal Government has continued to prioritise reforms in the solid minerals sector as part of efforts to diversify national revenue sources, improve local value addition and position Nigeria as a competitive destination for mineral processing and downstream manufacturing.
