The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has organized a capacity building programme on Development of the Lithium Value Chain for Export Competitiveness in Zamfara.
The workshop was declared open by the Zamfara Commissioner for Environmental and Natural Resources, Alhaji Abdurrahman Tumbido.
The event had facilitators from the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), NEPC, Bank of Industry and Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC).
The 63 participants of the programme were drawn from the Miners Association of Nigeria, Association of Solid Minerals Miners and Marketers of Nigeria, among other stakeholders.
During the event, the Trade Promotion Officer, Solid Mineral Directorate, Abayomi Ogunsanmi presented a paper on Unlocking Zamfara State’s Lithium Potentials for Global Export Market.
A resource person, from Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON), presented a paper on Quality Standards and Certification Requirements for Export Competitiveness of Lithium.
A paper on Building a Local Lithium Value Chain from mining to Battery Procusors production was presented by a resource person from Raw Materials Development Research Council (RMDRC).
Another paper presented at the event was Financing Opportunities for the Development of Lithium Value-Chain and Export Competitiveness by the resource person from the Bank of Industry
In a keynote address, the Executive Director and CEO, NEPC Mrs Nonye Ayeni said the development of Lithium value chain for export competitiveness was central to Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda, industrial transformation aspirations and export expansion objectives.
Ayeni noted that Nigeria and Zamfara in particular was endowed with commercially significant deposits.
“Lithium in its raw form holds limited value, its true worth is unlocked through processing into derivatives such as lithium chemicals,
“These derivatives are the essential inputs for lithium-iron batteries that power electric vehicles smartphones, laptops and grid-scale energy storage systems.
“Ladies and gentlemen, this programme is an opportunity for you to equip yourselves with the knowledge and expertise required to succeed in the international market place.
“Therefore, the task before us is to move deliberately from exporting raw ore to producing these higher-valued derivatives locally thereby capturing a greater share of the value chain”, she said.
According to her, lithium is central to the global energy transition, as nations accelerate the shipt towards electric mobility, renewable energy storage and decarbonation demand for lithium and it’s derivatives continuous to grow.
“This often described as “white gold “, and countries with credible deposits, therefore Nigeria among them are strategically positioned to benefit, provided we build the processing capacity and quality assurance system that global buyers demand”.
She further said Nigeria is endowed with an abundance of solid minerals that if properly harnessd can significantly contribute to the country’s non-oil export revenue.
“Minerals like Tin, Gold, Limestone, Coal, and more lie beneath our soil waiting to be fully tapped,” she explained.
Declaring the programme open, Tumbido commended the NEPC for organising the programme adding that it came at the right time.
“This is a timely effort from NEPC especially when Zamfara, recently unveiled a 200 million dollars lithium mining and processing plant in Boko Village, Zurmi Local Government Area”, he said.
He noted that the lithium mining and processing plant project was driven by the growing global demand for lithium.
According to the commissioner, the processing plant is expected to create more than 2,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities, stimulate economic growth, and increase revenue generation for both the state and federal governments.
“I want to assure of the state government’s commitments to supporting initiatives that promote responsible mineral development, environmental stewardship, and inclusive economic growth and development of the lithium value chain for export competitiveness.
“Zamfara is committed to fostering a safe, sustainable and investment‑friendly mining environment.
“We will continue to work with relevant agencies to ensure that mineral development in the state is guided by environmental best practices, proper rehabilitation of mined areas, protection of livelihoods, and enforcement of health and safety standards.
“We also recognise the vital role of artisanal and small‑scale miners and commit to supporting them with training, formalisation pathways, access to finance, and inclusion in cooperatives and value chains.
“I urge all participants to learn, share experiences, forge partnerships, and identify practical steps for adding value locally from improved ore processing and quality control to certification, market linkages, and export readiness.”
Earlier, in a welcome address, the State Coordinator NEPC Mr Ahmad Tijjani Ahijo commended the participants for honouring the invitation for the event.
Ahijo said the programne me reflects NEPC commitments in supporting the Federal government’s economic diversification agenda by promoting value addition and expanding non-oil export.