Nigeria Offers Lithium Data to Qatari Investors
Nigeria is actively seeking the attention of Qatari business leaders in the lithium industry by providing thorough data on its lithium reserves. This data is readily accessible through the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency and is available for potential investors to review.
During a meeting in Doha, Qatar, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, conveyed this initiative. The meeting occurred on the sidelines of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visit to Qatar. Alake assured Qatari business leaders that the mineral exploration efforts initiated by the Federal Government have successfully identified locations with commercial quantities of lithium deposits of high grades.
The minister underscored Nigeria’s commitment to supporting Qatari business interests in establishing lithium companies in the country. He emphasized the quality of Nigerian lithium by referencing a visit to Australia, where samples of rock composites from Nigeria underwent laboratory analysis. The results confirmed the presence of high-grade lithium content, signifying global recognition of the quality of Nigerian lithium in the mining sector.
Additionally, Alake stressed that the Nigerian government has implemented investor-friendly policies to facilitate business activities, thereby providing a conducive environment for potential investments.
Moreover, the Executive Secretary of the Solid Minerals Development Fund, Fatimah Shinkafi, encouraged investors to explore opportunities in mining infrastructure. She cited the example of a mining company in Brazil that invested in trains to facilitate the transportation of minerals from mines to processing towns. Shinkafi assured the attendees that the government would continue to provide transportation facilities to the mines, while also urging mining companies to invest wisely in transportation infrastructure.
Furthermore, the vice-chairman of the Qatar-Nigerian Chamber of Business, Muhammed Santuraki, highlighted the existence of good roads for the haulage of minerals to the ports, particularly in Nasarawa where he recently visited a gold mine. Several other prominent businessmen at the meeting also expressed their interest in further enhancing business relations between Qatar and Nigeria.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Nigeria is presently mining lithium in five states, namely Nassarawa, Kogi, Kwara, Ekiti, and Cross River, with more states such as Bauchi reporting the discovery of deposits.
This initiative led by the Nigerian government and Minister Dele Alake is part of the broader efforts to strengthen economic cooperation between Nigeria and Qatar, as highlighted during President Tinubu’s visit to Doha.
In conclusion, Nigeria’s offer of comprehensive lithium data to Qatari investors demonstrates the country’s commitment to attracting foreign investments in its mineral resources sector. The cooperation between Nigeria and Qatar presents a promising opportunity for the growth and development of the industry.
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