The Federal Government has taken significant steps to strengthen Nigeria’s mining industry by opening a new gold refinery in Lagos, preparing to launch a major lithium processing plant in Nasarawa State, and intensifying action against illegal mineral transport.
The high-purity gold refinery in Lagos has now started operations. This facility is part of the government’s effort to add greater value to Nigeria’s mineral resources at home rather than exporting unprocessed materials. Additional gold refineries are being developed in other parts of the country to expand processing capacity and support local industry.
At the same time, a $600 million lithium processing plant in Nasarawa State has been completed and is ready for formal inauguration. The government says this plant will help Nigeria compete in global markets for critical minerals that are vital for emerging technologies, such as electric vehicle batteries and renewable energy storage systems. Officials believe the plant will attract both domestic and foreign investment, create jobs and boost Nigeria’s role in the global minerals industry.
These developments were highlighted by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, during a bilateral meeting with Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Ibrahim Al-Khorayef, just before the Future Minerals Forum in Riyadh. The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation in mining, including training, technology transfer and environmentally sound operations. Alake said Nigeria’s abundant mineral resources, coupled with increased refining capacity, would position the country as a key minerals hub in Africa.
Minister Al-Khorayef praised the investment opportunities in Nigeria’s mining sector. He called for practical agreements to support development, especially in critical minerals, and urged African countries to adopt modern mining technologies to attract investors.
In a related enforcement action, the South-West Zonal Office of the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and the Department of State Services (DSS) in Kwara State intercepted seven trucks carrying lithium ore suspected of being transported illegally. The trucks were stopped on the Okoolowo–Eyenkorin Expressway in Kwara after a surveillance operation based on credible intelligence. One driver escaped, abandoning his vehicle, while the others were detained.
The drivers admitted they had been paid to transport the lithium and were escorted by a mine marshal from Abuja, authorities said. Mining documents seized from the scene are now being examined as part of the investigation.
Engineer Ganiyu Ajibade, the Zonal Mine Officer, said the operation reflects the ministry’s zero-tolerance policy on illegal mining and mineral theft, a priority stressed by Dr Alake. He added that enforcement actions will be stepped up across the country to safeguard Nigeria’s mineral wealth.
The combination of expanded refining facilities and tougher action against illegal ore transport shows the government’s dual approach. It aims to boost local processing capacity while protecting the nation’s resources from unlawful exploitation and smuggling.
