Dr. Dele Alake, Nigeria's Minister of Solid Minerals Development, announced that Chinese companies have invested over $1.3 billion in the country's lithium processing sector since September 2023. He described this as a major milestone in Nigeria's economic diversification efforts. Alake made the disclosure at the 2025 China Mining Conference in Tianjin, China.
Speaking at the 2025 China Mining Conference in Tianjin, themed 'Connect and Collaborate, Co-Build and Co-Share,' Dr. Dele Alake highlighted the investments as a boost to Nigeria's push to reduce oil dependence. The conference brought together global mining stakeholders, where Alake urged investors to increase their involvement in Nigeria's solid minerals industry.
Alake pointed to reforms under his ministry, including the deployment of Mining Marshals for security and a satellite-based monitoring system to combat illegal mining. Technological advancements mentioned include the Electronic Mining Cadastre (EMC+), the Nigerian Mineral Resources Decision Support System (NMRDS), a Centre of Excellence, and upgraded ministry websites, all aimed at improving transparency and easing business operations.
'Since September 2023, when this administration assumed office, Chinese companies such as Canmax Technology, Jiuling Lithium, Avatar New Energy Nigeria Company, and Asba have invested over $1.3 billion in lithium processing,' Alake stated. 'These investments have boosted Nigeria’s diversification efforts, reduced dependence on oil, and facilitated infrastructure development, technology transfer, and skills exchange.'
He linked the investments to Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) signed during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s state visit to China in September 2024. As chairman of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group (AMSG), Alake emphasized continental cooperation in mineral exploration and governance.
Alake outlined plans to enhance regional Centres of Excellence in Geosciences and Mining Skills, and to expand the Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF) and SMDF-AFC Facility for exploration support. 'We warmly invite investors, development partners, and technical institutions to explore Nigeria’s vast opportunities in lithium, gold, lead-zinc, barite, and rare earth elements,' he said. 'Our government offers a conducive investment climate, improved security of tenure, and incentives that ensure mutual benefit. Nigeria’s vision is not only to extract minerals but to build a globally competitive value chain that supports clean energy transition, job creation, and industrial growth, all within the framework of responsible mining.'
Prof. Olusegun Omoniyi Ige, Director-General of the Nigeria Geological Survey Agency, represented Nigeria in a technical session on 'Mining in Africa and Policy.' He showcased the NMRDS and Nigeria's aeromagnetic and geochemical datasets, noting the need for more investment to convert data into proven resources.
Other speakers included Mr. Xu Xueyi from the China Geological Survey, Sudan's Minister of Minerals H.E. Mohamed Ahmed Taha, South Africa's Deputy Minister Ms. Phumzile Mgcina, and Sierra Leone's Mr. Joseph Lebbie.