Chinese companies grab stake in Nigeria’s lithium and EV future

Chinese companies are rapidly securing strategic positions across Nigeria’s clean energy and electric vehicle (EV) value chain, aiming to shape the future of mobility in Africa’s most populous nation. This year, two lithium processing plants — a critical component for EV battery production — are set to launch in Nigeria, both funded predominantly by Chinese investors. Leading the charge is Jiuling Lithium Mining Company, currently constructing a $600 million facility on the border of Kaduna and Niger states, with production scheduled to begin this quarter. Not far behind is Canmax Technologies, which is investing $200 million in a lithium processing…