The Zamfara State Government says the newly unveiled $200 million lithium mining and processing plant will generate more than 2,000 direct and indirect jobs while boosting the state’s mining industry and contributing to Nigeria’s economic growth.
The Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Abdurrahman Tumbido, made the disclosure on Wednesday in Gusau during a capacity-building programme on developing the lithium value chain for export competitiveness. The training was organised by the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC).
Speaking at the event, Mr Tumbido described the programme as timely, noting that it followed the inauguration of the lithium mining and processing facility in Boko Village, Zurmi Local Government Area.
He explained that the project was established in response to the increasing global demand for lithium and would strengthen economic activities, create employment and improve revenue generation for both the Zamfara State and federal governments.
The commissioner reaffirmed the state’s commitment to responsible mining practices, environmental protection and sustainable development. He said the government would continue working with relevant agencies to ensure mining activities comply with environmental standards, proper land rehabilitation, health and safety regulations, and the protection of local livelihoods.
Mr Tumbido also pledged support for artisanal and small-scale miners through training, formalisation programmes, improved access to finance, and integration into cooperatives and value chains. He urged participants to use the programme to build partnerships and identify practical ways to improve local mineral processing, quality assurance, certification and export readiness.
Also speaking, NEPC Executive Director Nonye Ayeni said developing a strong lithium value chain was essential to Nigeria’s drive for economic diversification, industrialisation and increased export earnings.
She noted that Nigeria, particularly Zamfara State, possesses commercially viable lithium deposits and stressed the need to move beyond exporting raw minerals.
According to her, greater economic benefits can be achieved by processing lithium into higher-value products such as lithium chemicals, which serve as key materials for manufacturing lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles, mobile phones, laptops and large-scale energy storage systems.
The programme featured presentations from officials of the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), the Bank of Industry, the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), and the NEPC.
A total of 63 participants attended the training, including members of the Miners Association of Nigeria, the Association of Solid Minerals Miners and Marketers of Nigeria, alongside other stakeholders in the mining sector.