Nigeria’s Lithium Exports Raise Questions Over Missing Royalty Records

Chinese customs data reportedly show that about 450,000 tonnes of Nigerian spodumene arrived in China in 2024, rising to roughly 1.2 million tonnes in 2025. At an estimated royalty rate of ₦9,500 per tonne, the exports could have generated about ₦4.3 billion in 2024 and ₦11.4 billion in 2025. The figures appear to be far higher than publicly available Nigerian production records. Nigeria does not routinely publish detailed, operator-level data on mineral production, exports or royalty payments, making it difficult for the public to verify what was mined and what government earned. The article calls on the relevant authorities to clarify whether royalties were paid on lithium exports, where the payments were recorded and whether they reached the appropriate government accounts. It also raises wider questions about taxes and public returns from investment in the solid-minerals sector.

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