Nigeria’s Offer to Qatari Investors: Lithium Data on the Table
In an effort to attract Qatari investors to Nigeria’s lithium sector, Dr. Oladele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, has pledged to provide detailed data on the distribution and volume of lithium available at the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency.
During President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visit to Doha, Qatar, discussions took place involving Alake alongside Qatari businessmen. The Nigerian government has been actively engaged in mineral exploration, specifically focusing on identifying areas with substantial amounts of high-grade lithium.
In response to inquiries from Qatari business tycoon Sheikh Shahid Jawad, Alake highlighted that he had obtained rock composite samples containing high-grade lithium from Nigeria during a trip to Australia. Laboratory analysis confirmed the presence of the mineral, marking a significant acknowledgment by the global mining sector of the quality of Nigerian lithium.
Encouraging Qatari businessmen to explore opportunities in Nigeria’s mining sector, Alake emphasized the government’s investor-friendly policies and invited them to visit the country to witness the vast opportunities available.
During the event, Mrs. Fatimah Shinkafi, the executive secretary of the Solid Minerals Development Fund, advised investors to consider opportunities in mining infrastructures. She cited the example of Vale, a mining company in Brazil, which invested in trains to streamline the transportation of minerals from mines to processing towns, emphasizing the crucial role of transportation in future cost control.
Muhammed Santuraki, the vice-chairman of the Qatar-Nigerian Chamber of Business, provided an update on the chamber’s activities in the mining sector. Formed in 2017 to nurture business relationships between both countries, Santuraki mentioned the existence of well-maintained roads for transporting minerals to ports during a recent visit to a gold mine in Nasarawa State.
Additionally, Kehinde Bamigbetan, the minister’s special adviser, reported the participation of CEO of ETCC Qatar, Sheikh El Jouneid, and chairman of Asdub Oil & Gas, Aminu Dahiru, at the high-level meeting. The collaborative efforts between Nigeria and Qatari investors are aimed at harnessing the potential of Nigeria’s lithium resources in pursuit of mutual economic growth.
In conclusion, the government’s efforts to attract Qatari investors to Nigeria’s lithium sector represent a promising step towards economic growth and development for both nations. The potential within the mining sector for lithium resources is vast and ready to be explored. As both countries continue to work together, it is evident that the future for the lithium industry in Nigeria looks promising.
