Nigerian Watchdog Group Urges Caution in Lithium Mining

The Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has expressed significant concerns regarding the Nigerian government’s intentions to conduct extensive lithium mining within the country. The organisation is calling for increased environmental responsibility and the protection of local livelihoods following the establishment of Nigeria’s first and largest lithium processing plant in Nasarawa State.

CAPPA’s primary concern is centred around the potential environmental impact and the repercussions for local communities resulting from lithium mining activities. It underscores the necessity for proper regulation and oversight, citing previous instances of ecological harm and community displacement in other regions of the country due to unofficial mining activities.

Additionally, the non-profit organisation has drawn attention to the lack of state supervision in mining operations throughout Nigeria, raising doubts regarding the long-term effects of unregulated mining on the environment and local communities. It particularly highlights the risks associated with foreign investments and urges the government to give precedence to local control and accountability in mining operations.

In the midst of these apprehensions, CAPPA has also criticised the lack of transparency and disclosure of the environmental impact assessment details for the project. It has emphasised the necessity for more stringent regulations that prioritise community well-being, equitable compensation for land usage, and opportunities for local economic advancement.

In light of the ongoing proposal to amend the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, CAPPA has underscored the significance of integrating community input in decision-making processes. It has cautioned against the exploitation of inexpensive labour and has called for measures to prevent the consolidation of foreign companies’ dominance over the African lithium market.

Ultimately, the organisation has stressed the importance of holding corporations accountable for their actions and implementing transparency in their operations to ensure a just and empowering future for Nigeria’s mining industry.