By Peace Erewunmi

Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to transforming Nigeria’s mining sector by prioritising local processing and value addition instead of exporting raw mineral resources. He said the country’s long-term economic prosperity depends on building industries that process minerals into finished products capable of creating jobs, boosting exports, and driving industrialisation.

Shettima made the remarks while representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the inauguration of West Africa’s largest lithium processing facility in Endo Community, Nasarawa State. The plant, owned by Diamond New Energy Company Limited, has a processing capacity of 6,000 metric tonnes per day and approximately three million metric tonnes annually, making it one of Nigeria’s most significant investments in mineral beneficiation.

According to the Vice President, Nigeria must move beyond the traditional practice of exporting raw minerals if it intends to benefit fully from the rapidly expanding global market for critical minerals used in electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, batteries, semiconductors, and advanced manufacturing. He noted that while natural resources provide opportunities, sustainable wealth can only be created through industrialisation, innovation, and skilled human capital.

Shettima explained that the Tinubu administration’s solid minerals policy is designed to encourage investors to establish processing facilities within Nigeria rather than merely extracting and exporting raw materials. He said local processing would generate employment, promote technology transfer, strengthen local industries, and increase the country’s earnings from mineral resources.

Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, reiterated that local value addition has become a central pillar of the Federal Government’s mining policy. He stated that Nigeria would continue to discourage the export of unprocessed minerals while encouraging investments that add value before export. According to the minister, several African countries are now adopting similar strategies to maximise the benefits of their natural resources.

Alake expressed optimism that Nigeria could eventually manufacture lithium batteries, electric vehicles, mobile phones, solar panels, and other technology products that depend on lithium and related critical minerals. He said the inauguration of the processing plant represents an important step toward integrating Nigeria into the global clean energy and battery supply chain.

The management of Diamond New Energy Company stated that the project reflects its commitment to responsible mineral development, advanced processing technology, environmental sustainability, workforce development, and partnerships with host communities. The company added that the facility is expected to stimulate economic activities, create employment opportunities, and strengthen Nigeria’s industrial base.

The Federal Government believes that shifting from raw mineral exports to domestic processing will help diversify Nigeria’s economy, reduce dependence on crude oil revenues, attract foreign investment, and position the country as a major player in the global critical minerals market. Officials say the policy aligns with the broader Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at promoting industrial growth, economic diversification, and sustainable national development.