Are Chinese Lithium Investments Giving Foreign Firms Too Much Control of Nigeria’s Minerals?

Nigeria’s push for local lithium processing has attracted major Chinese-backed investors, including Canmax Technology, Jiuling Lithium, Avatar New Energy and Asba. The writer agrees that processing minerals locally could support industrialisation, but argues that the policy may be giving foreign firms too much control over strategic resources. The article alleges that Chinese companies have received stronger access to lithium assets and security support than Nigerian miners and Jupiter Lithium’s Kaduna project. It also claims that some deposits linked to Jupiter were revoked and later accessed by Chinese firms. These allegations require independent verification from the ministry, regulators and the affected companies. The writer further warns that Chinese investment in mines, transport infrastructure and digital systems could create long-term economic and security dependence. The central question raised is whether Nigeria’s mining policy is protecting local investors, communities and national control of critical minerals while still attracting needed foreign capital.

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