China Bold Bet: Billion-Dollar Lithium Push Sparks Nigeria’s Rise

China Bold Bet: Billion-Dollar Lithium Push Sparks Nigeria’s Rise

China is betting big on Nigeria’s future—and it all begins with lithium.

The Asian giant has launched a multi-billion-dollar investment in Nigeria’s lithium sector, setting up two major mining and processing plants in Nasarawa State. This bold move signals China’s confidence in Nigeria’s role as a clean energy powerhouse in Africa.

Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State revealed that China’s interest isn’t random. It’s a strategic decision driven by Nigeria’s dominance in the West African market and its abundant lithium deposits.

“China is actually now in a clean energy revolution,” the governor said during a live interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics. “They are getting ready to invest a multi-billion dollar amount in Africa, and in Africa, they decided to focus on Nigeria.”

Why Nigeria? For China, it comes down to market strength. Nigeria has over 220 million people. West Africa altogether has about 400 million. That makes Nigeria the clear leader, and China wants to be in business with a leader.

“With our GDP now going close to $480 billion, they are looking at Nigeria as the right partner,” Sule added. “They are looking at Nigeria as an undisputed leader when it comes to the West African market.”

But this story isn’t just about China’s interest. It’s about how lithium could change everything for Nigeria. The mineral, used in batteries for electric vehicles and renewable energy systems, is becoming more valuable than ever. And it’s found in large quantities in Nasarawa and other parts of the country.

Governor Sule believes lithium could replace oil as Nigeria’s top source of revenue. It’s a bold statement—but one he makes with conviction.

“This is another oil that is coming,” he said. “That is how God has blessed Nigeria in particular, and this is the way to go.”

For years, oil dominated Nigeria’s economy. It created wealth—but also made the country vulnerable to price crashes and political crises. Lithium offers a cleaner, more stable future, and one that could bring long-term jobs and global respect if managed well.

Sule warns, though, that politics must stay out of the way if this opportunity is to succeed.

“The moment we take politics out of it and allow investors to make decisions correctly, then I think Nigeria is in for it,” he emphasized.

Already, the lithium projects in Nasarawa are opening doors for locals. While the job numbers may not rival the agricultural sector, the impact could run deeper. Sule says the skills and experience gained by workers at the plants will help lift the local economy.

“What we are going to gain is that people are going to gain experience,” he said. “That experience will help grow the economy of our state.”

This development also gives Nasarawa a new industrial identity. Known more for its farmlands and minerals, the state could soon become a key player in Africa’s energy transition. Young people and skilled graduates may finally see a future in mining and processing right at home.

Globally, lithium is no longer just another mineral. It has become essential to the world’s shift toward clean energy. From smartphones to solar batteries to electric vehicles, lithium powers it all. As fossil fuels lose favor, lithium rises—and countries with reserves will be at the center of this energy transformation.

China‘s decision to process lithium in Nigeria, rather than simply extract it and ship it out, could mark a major turning point. It means value will be added locally. It also gives Nigeria a chance to avoid the mistakes made during the oil boom—when crude was exported raw and imported as refined products at steep costs.

Sule’s message is clear: this is Nigeria’s moment to build a new economic path, one powered by its own natural wealth and driven by partnerships that respect its market strength.

China sees the future in lithium. And for now, that future runs through Nigeria.