By John Umeh
Nigeria has taken a major step toward reshaping its solid minerals sector with the launch of a new gold refining facility in Lagos and plans to bring a $600 million lithium processing plant in Nasarawa State into operation.
The Federal Government said the projects signal a decisive shift away from exporting unprocessed minerals and toward building domestic capacity for refining and value addition. Officials described the development as part of a broader strategy to position the country as a key supplier of refined minerals to both African and global markets.
Speaking on Tuesday, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, said the Lagos facility has begun refining gold to international standards, while three more gold refineries are currently under construction or in advanced planning stages across the country. He added that the lithium plant in Nasarawa, one of the largest such investments in Nigeria’s mining sector, is ready for commissioning.
According to the minister, these projects reflect the government’s resolve to ensure that Nigeria benefits more directly from its vast mineral resources, particularly at a time when global demand for critical minerals used in batteries and clean-energy technologies is rising sharply.
Alake made the remarks during high-level talks with Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Ibrahim Al-Khorayef, ahead of the Future Minerals Forum in Riyadh. The meeting focused on expanding cooperation between both countries in mining development, investment and technical expertise.
He said Nigeria is seeking partnerships that go beyond raw extraction to include skills development, advanced exploration techniques and modern mining technologies. The minister stressed that sustainable mining practices, environmental responsibility and transparent supply chains must form the foundation of any international collaboration.
Nigeria’s delegation also highlighted the country’s large landmass and significant deposits of gold, lithium and other strategic minerals, noting that these resources place the country in a strong position to support global manufacturing and energy transition supply chains.
Alake disclosed that a joint Nigeria–Saudi working group, established after earlier engagements at the Future Minerals Forum, has been active over the past year. The group is expected to submit recommendations aimed at converting diplomatic discussions into concrete investment and policy outcomes.
Areas identified for cooperation include mineral traceability systems, environmental and social standards, mine rehabilitation and improved regulatory oversight. The minister said credible traceability frameworks are essential for attracting serious investors and ensuring Nigerian minerals meet international compliance requirements.
In his response, Al-Khorayef described Nigeria as a strategic partner and expressed Saudi Arabia’s interest in practical, results-driven collaboration. He proposed the drafting of a formal agreement on solid minerals development that could be signed during the forum.
The Saudi minister also encouraged Nigeria to actively promote its mining opportunities to Middle Eastern investors, noting that technology-driven mining practices would be critical to unlocking long-term value across Africa’s mineral-rich regions.
Nigeria’s renewed push in the mining sector comes amid wider economic reforms aimed at reducing dependence on oil revenue. The government has intensified efforts to curb illegal mining, strengthen regulation and attract large-scale investment, with lithium and gold identified as cornerstone minerals for economic diversification and participation in global clean-energy markets.
