Geophysicists Sound Alarm, Urge Federal Government to Conserve Lithium and Strategic Minerals for Domestic Industrialization

Prominent Nigerian geophysicists and earth science experts have issued an urgent plea to the Federal Government to implement strict conservation measures for the nation's strategic mineral reserves, particularly lithium. According to reports presented at a recent industry symposium, the unchecked extraction and raw export of these critical resources pose a severe threat to Nigeria's long-term industrial ambitions and economic sovereignty.

Lithium, a critical element in the production of electric vehicle batteries, renewable energy storage systems, and advanced electronics, has seen a surge in global demand. However, experts warn that Nigeria is repeating historical mistakes by allowing raw mineral wealth to leave the country without significant value addition or domestic processing infrastructure in place.

Unconfirmed accounts indicate that widespread unmonitored mining operations across central and northern Nigeria continue to drain valuable deposits at alarming rates. Stakeholders caution that if immediate policy interventions are not established, Nigeria could find itself importing refined lithium products at exorbitant market prices within the next decade.