Nigeria is urging the global community to forge stronger collaborations in sustainable mining and critical mineral supply chains as the world races to transition toward cleaner energy systems.
Addressing international stakeholders at the OECD Forum in Paris, Nigeria’s leadership stressed that the foundation for future electricity, transportation, and digital infrastructure hinges on responsible decisions made now.
With the energy transition accelerating globally, the focus has shifted from fossil fuels to a suite of critical minerals—such as lithium, cobalt, tantalum, and copper—that are essential for batteries, electric vehicles, and renewable energy grids. Africa, home to a large share of these resources, is calling for a new paradigm—one in which it is not merely a source of raw materials but a key player in processing and value creation.Nigeria has emerged as a vocal advocate for this shift. The country has launched reforms aimed at attracting responsible investment in its solid minerals sector, including offering import duty waivers, tax holidays, and accelerated capital allowances.
These incentives are backed by an ambitious policy overhaul that prioritises sustainable extraction, domestic value addition, and efficient infrastructure.
Between January and March 2025, Nigeria recorded N6.96 billion in mining licence revenues, formalised over 1,200 artisanal mining cooperatives, and registered 118 private mineral buying centres. In parallel, the Mining Cadastral Office processed nearly 1,000 applications, a signal of growing investor interest and policy effectiveness.But beyond domestic gains, Nigeria is positioning itself as a unifying voice for the continent. Through the Africa Mineral Strategy Group, it is working to advance a collective agenda centred on responsible resource mobilisation, ethical sourcing, and regional beneficiation.
The strategic focus is clear—build inclusive green economies by unlocking Africa’s mineral wealth without compromising environmental and social standards.
This push comes amid growing global scrutiny over mineral supply chains, especially concerns around labour exploitation, environmental degradation, and geopolitical instability. Nigeria and other African nations are advocating for greater transparency and equity in partnerships, emphasising that sustainable development can only be achieved through inclusive, multi-stakeholder engagement.The call for cooperation extends beyond governments to private enterprises, civil society organisations, and local communities. Building resilient and ethical supply chains, Nigeria argues, is not just a policy ambition but a generational responsibility. As global demand for clean technologies continues to soar, the choices made today—about who mines, who processes, and who benefits—will define the future of climate action and economic justice.
Also Read : Tata Motors Unveils Eco-Friendly Scrapping Hub in Kolkata
Africa Seeks Global Role in Green Energy
