Chairman House of Representatives Committee on Solid Minerals, Hon. Gaza Gbefwi, Thursday, called for urgent policy action to harness Nigeria’s critical minerals, essential for the global clean energy transition.
Speaking at the National Extractives Dialogue (NED) 2025 in Uyo, the chairman stated the need for a coordinated roadmap to govern the extraction and utilisation of the minerals.
Blueprint correspondent reports that the event was organised by Spaces for Change (S4C) in collaboration with The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) and the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA).
Gbwefi said given the International Energy Agency (IEA) report, the demand for critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, nickel, graphite, and rare earth elements is projected to quadruple by 2040.
“The global transition to clean energy has intensified the race for critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, nickel, graphite, and rare earth elements.
“These minerals are essential inputs in electric vehicles (EVs), solar panels, wind turbines and battery storage. By 2040, demand for these minerals are projected to quadruple,” he stated.
He said countries like Australia, Chile, Namibia, and DR Congo are already positioning themselves to benefit from the trend.
The chairman noted that while Nigeria has confirmed reserves of lithium, niobium and tin, the country lacks a National Critical Minerals Policy, local refining capacity, and sufficient geological data.
The House Committee Chairman pledged to provide legislative leadership, monitor implementation of mining reforms, and facilitate public hearings to ensure inclusive policymaking.