Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has unveiled a $200 million lithium mining and processing plant at Boko Village in Zurmi Local Government Area, describing the project as the beginning of a new era in the state’s drive towards responsible mining, industrial development and economic diversification.
Speaking at the inauguration , Lawal said the project marks a significant milestone in the state’s efforts to harness its vast mineral resources through responsible investment, value addition, job creation and sustainable economic development.
He said his administration is committed to transforming Zamfara’s solid minerals sector from largely informal and unregulated activities into an organised, transparent and value-driven industry that will deliver tangible benefits to the people of the state.
According to the governor, the rising global demand for lithium and other critical minerals, driven by the growth of renewable energy, electric vehicles and advanced technologies, presents a unique opportunity for Zamfara to position itself as a key player in the global minerals value chain.
Lawal stressed that the state could no longer remain a supplier of raw mineral resources but must actively participate in the entire mining value chain through local processing, value addition, skills development and industrialisation.
He commended the companies behind the project and other development partners for investing in Zamfara, saying their decision reflects growing confidence in the state’s improving investment climate and commitment to responsible mining.
The governor assured investors that his administration would continue to provide the necessary support through improved collaboration, infrastructure development and investor-friendly policies aimed at promoting sustainable investments in the mining sector.
He also emphasised the importance of ensuring that host communities benefit directly from mining activities through employment opportunities, skills acquisition programmes, community development projects, environmental protection and meaningful corporate social responsibility initiatives.
Lawal acknowledged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to repositioning Nigeria’s solid minerals sector as a major driver of economic diversification, industrial growth and national development, expressing confidence that the lithium project would contribute significantly to achieving that objective.
He said the investment would not only create jobs and stimulate economic activities in Zamfara but also strengthen Nigeria’s position in the global market for critical minerals needed for the energy transition.
