Benue State Government Implements Preemptive Measures to Combat Flooding

In response to the rising water levels of the River Benue and the recent opening of the Lagdo Dam, coupled with the 2024 flood prediction by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET), the Benue State Government has initiated proactive measures to mitigate the potential impact of flooding.

The government has established Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in 18 Local Government Areas (LGAs) across the state to provide shelter and support for those likely to be affected by the impending flood disaster.

The decision was made by the Committee on Flood Disaster Preparedness, Mitigation, and Response Team during a meeting held in Makurdi.

According to NiMET’s recent forecast, several LGAs in Benue State, including Kwande, Katsina-Ala, Logo, Makurdi, Gwer-West, Agatu, Guma, and Apa, are expected to experience significant flooding following the opening of the Lagdo Dam in the neighboring Republic of Cameroon.

Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Aondowase Kunde, confirmed that the Committee has set up camps to accommodate potential flood victims. These camps are strategically located at the International Market Makurdi, Suswan Thank You LGEA Primary School Wurukum, Makurdi, Akume Atongo Stadium, Katsina-Ala, and RCM Primary School, Logo.

Kunde emphasized the importance of relocating residents from flood-prone areas to ensure their safety.

The acting Executive Secretary of the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA), James Iorpuu, assured that the agency is fully prepared to cater to the needs of those affected by the flooding. He stated that the agency will provide food and non-food materials to the victims. Additionally, Iorpuu has requested logistics support, including five flying boats, from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

The commissioner also highlighted the need for comprehensive documentation detailing the number of women and children in flood-prone areas. This information will enable the Health Ministry to respond to any challenges swiftly and effectively.

Mrs. Mediatrix Barendayo, Team Leader of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), pledged the organization’s support to the government in this regard. Similarly, Sally Okpaje, Team Lead of the UN Refugee Agency, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting the state government by ensuring that all necessary measures are in place to alleviate the suffering of flood victims.

These coordinated efforts by the Benue State Government and its partners reflect a concerted commitment to safeguarding the welfare of residents and mitigating the adverse effects of flooding.

Nasarawa Assembly Advances Bill to Regulate Mining Consents, Aims to Curb Illegal Activities

The Nasarawa State House of Assembly has successfully passed a bill aimed at regulating the issuance of land consents and community agreements to mining entities, advancing it to its second reading. This legislative move seeks to address conflicts and other adverse impacts associated with mining activities in the state.

Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Danladi Jatau, announced the progress during a recent session held in Lafia. He emphasized the Assembly’s commitment to overseeing the issuance of mining consents by traditional and community leaders to mining companies, with the goal of mitigating disputes and enhancing the overall process.

The bill’s sponsor, Hon. Daniel Ogazi Kokona East, outlined its key provisions, which include fostering peace and unity within mining communities. He urged his fellow lawmakers to support the bill’s passage, highlighting its potential to bring about positive change.

During the debate, several lawmakers expressed their backing for the bill, noting the minimal benefits currently accruing to the state from foreign miners who often exploit local resources. They argued that the bill’s enactment could lead to community development and a reduction in insecurity.

The Assembly also proposed the active participation of key ministries—Land and Survey, Environment, and the Judiciary—in negotiating agreements between miners and host communities. Additionally, it recommended the allocation of a specific percentage of funds for the development of mining communities.

This legislative initiative underscores the Nasarawa State House of Assembly’s dedication to ensuring sustainable and equitable mining practices, with a focus on enhancing the welfare of affected communities and promoting environmental stewardship.

Chief of Defence Staff Awards N1 Million to Troops for Eliminating Notorious Bandit Leader in Zamfara

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has announced a cash reward of N1 million for the troops involved in the recent successful operation in Zamfara State, which led to the elimination of Halilu Sububu Buzu, a notorious bandit leader responsible for numerous attacks and kidnappings in the region.

General Musa commended the bravery and precision of the troops, emphasizing their critical role in dismantling a major threat to the security of the North West. He added that the reward is to honor their dedication and encourage continued excellence in their duties.

SaharaReporters had earlier reported that troops from the Joint Task Force Northwest Operation Hadarin Daji (OPHD) had reportedly neutralized Kachallah Buzu, a notorious bandits commander, along with several of his fighters in Mayanchi village, Zamfara State.

The operation took place on Thursday during a nighttime raid, where the troops killed the bandits and recovered weapons and motorcycles. According to a counter-insurgency expert in the Lake Chad area, the ambush was highly effective, resulting in the elimination of numerous bandits, including their leader, Buzu.

The operation, which followed a planned ambush, was based on intelligence about the bandits’ movements. In addition to the significant loss of lives on the part of the insurgents, the troops seized 30 motorcycles and a substantial cache of weapons.

The successful operation marks a critical blow to the bandit group’s operational capabilities and underscores the ongoing efforts of the Nigerian military to combat terrorism in the region.

On Thursday, SaharaReporters reported that the group of terrorists had blocked the busy Gusau-Funtua highway in Zamfara State and abducted an unspecified number of travellers on the road. This was confirmed to SaharaReporters during a telephone conversation with the State Police Command Spokesman, Yezid Abubakar.

The police spokesperson said the command had deployed several personnel to the scene of the attack and was yet to be briefed on the exact number of the people kidnapped by the terrorists.

“It is true but we are on top of the matter. Our men have been deployed to the place but they are yet to come back so I don’t know the exact figure of the people that were kidnapped. I will get back to you when I get the information,” the police spokesman had told SaharaReporters.

Defence Chief Commits to Safeguarding Farmers from Bandit Attacks in Zamfara

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has vowed to bolster security for farmers in Zamfara State, ensuring they can cultivate their land without fear of bandit attacks.

During a visit to the state on Friday, Musa assured the Zamfara government and its citizens that the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) will implement necessary measures to ensure farmers can work their land safely.

The Defence Chief’s visit is part of a comprehensive effort to address insecurity in the region and restore peace to affected communities.

Musa met with Governor Dauda Lawal at the Government House in Gusau, expressing gratitude for the governor’s support to the AFN and other security agencies operating in the state. He commended the noticeable development in Zamfara over the past year, despite ongoing security challenges, and assured the governor of the military’s commitment to restoring peace.

“Ensuring the safety of farmers from bandit attacks is a priority,” Musa stated. “The AFN will provide the necessary security to guarantee a successful farming season, easing the current hardships faced by citizens.”

The Defence Chief also appealed to the people of Zamfara to cooperate with security agencies by refraining from aiding bandits and instead providing vital information to support ongoing military operations.

He announced a strategic change in military operations, renaming it Operation FANSAN YAMMA and upgrading it to a Theater Command with General Officers Commanding as component commanders to improve coordination between security actors.

Musa also reaffirmed his commitment to collaborating with state-owned security establishments, stressing the importance of community involvement in achieving lasting peace.

Addressing troops from the 1 Brigade Nigerian Army, who had earlier ambushed and neutralized scores of terrorists, the CDS praised their bravery and assured them that all necessary tools and support would be provided for the continued fight against terrorism.

Governor Lawal, in his response, thanked the CDS for his dedication and expressed optimism that the new military measures would bring peace to the state. He noted that General Musa’s presence had already boosted the morale of Zamfara’s citizens, who now feel hopeful about an end to the insecurity.

In a related development, the Sector One Joint Task Force (NW) Operation Hadarin Daji recently ambushed a terrorist escape route along the Gusau-Funtua Road, neutralizing 40 terrorists, including the notorious bandit kingpin Halilu Buzu, and recovering arms and motorcycles.

Nigerian Troops Eliminate Bandit Kingpins in Zamfara, Capture Key Suspect in Plateau

In a significant victory against armed banditry, troops from Operation Hadarin Daji have successfully neutralized four notorious bandit kingpins in Zamfara State, according to reports from PRNigeria.

The eliminated criminals, identified as Ibrahim Nagure, Lawali Dodo, Kadiri, and Jambaleri, were taken down following a successful operation that also resulted in the neutralization of Halilu Sububu, a prominent orchestrator of terrorist activities in the North West.

Simultaneously, military forces apprehended another high-profile terrorist kingpin, Hosseini Osman, in Plateau State. Osman was captured in Ganawuri village, located in the Riyom local government area, where he confessed to masterminding numerous deadly attacks across the state, including a recent assault on Ganawuri village that led to the tragic loss of innocent lives. He also admitted his involvement in a local kidnapping syndicate linked to a series of abductions.

Leveraging intelligence obtained from Osman, military troops swiftly mobilized to Kyaram village in Kanam local government area, successfully rescuing several kidnapped victims.

In parallel operations, PRNigeria reported that troops launched a strategic ambush against fleeing terrorists from the Sambisa Forest heading toward the Mandara Mountains in the Gwoza local government area. This operation resulted in significant casualties among Boko Haram fighters, with a substantial cache of arms and ammunition seized.

In Kaduna State, troops executed a raid on a suspected terrorist hideout in Gobarawa Forest, situated in Birnin Gwari. The operation sent criminals into disarray, leading to the recovery of five AK-47 rifles, 16 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition, and five motorcycles left behind by the fleeing terrorists, as confirmed by a military defense source.

Earlier reports indicated that Sububu had been a significant player in fomenting violence in Zamfara until his recent elimination on Thursday. A reliable intelligence source confirmed that military efforts culminated in the removal of the infamous Halilu Sububu and numerous bandits in an aggressive clearance operation. Troops also confiscated lethal firearms, ample ammunition, and motorcycles used by the terrorists.

Investigations by PRNigeria revealed that Sububu was implicated in the death of a drone pilot and operative of the State Security Service, SSS, approximately two months ago and had been responsible for the abduction and killing of several civilians in Zamfara.

Monkeypox Cases in Benue Surge to 20, with Many Treated and Discharged – State Government

The number of confirmed Monkeypox cases in Benue State has escalated to 20, with four new samples testing positive, according to recent reports.

Dr. Asema Msuega, the State Epidemiologist, shared this information with journalists in Makurdi. He revealed that the confirmed cases are concentrated in two local government areas: Makurdi and Gwer West. Meanwhile, suspected cases have been reported across five additional local government areas: Ushongo, Katsina-Ala, Gboko, Makurdi, and Gwer West.

Dr. Msuega also noted that the most recent suspected case is from Gwer East, with samples already dispatched to the laboratory for testing.

He further stated that three previously confirmed cases have been successfully treated and discharged from the isolation center at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital. The fourth confirmed case, identified last week, is currently receiving treatment at the isolation center and is responding positively to the medical intervention.

“Not all cases require hospital isolation; we advise some individuals to self-isolate at home, similar to our approach during the COVID-19 outbreak,” Dr. Msuega explained.

To combat the spread of the disease, the state government is implementing extensive awareness campaigns to educate the public about Monkeypox and promote preventive measures such as handwashing and avoiding unnecessary contact with suspected individuals.

“Early detection and reporting of suspected cases to the nearest health centers—whether primary, secondary, or tertiary—are crucial,” Dr. Msuega emphasized.

Benue State Government Initiates Demolition of Illegal Structures in Makurdi

The Benue State Government has launched a campaign to dismantle unauthorized buildings constructed along road setbacks and major highways in various parts of Makurdi, the state capital.

Terhemen Mende, the General Manager of the Benue State Urban Development Board, spearheaded the demolition operation, emphasizing the board’s commitment to the urban renewal and upgrade of Makurdi.

Mende explained that the demolition was essential to facilitate the Federal Government’s Benue-Enugu Highway construction project and to support the broader urban regeneration efforts in the state capital.

“This demolition is integral to the government’s strategy to clear the path for the Benue-Enugu Highway project and to enhance the overall appearance and safety of Makurdi,” Mende stated.

He further noted that the board is dedicated to revitalizing the urban environment of Makurdi through comprehensive renovation and modernization initiatives.

Additionally, Mende highlighted ongoing efforts to raise awareness about the demolition of unauthorized structures in other parts of the state that present significant security risks.

While some residents affected by the demolition expressed a mix of emotions regarding the process, they urged the government to offer financial support to help them explore alternative opportunities.

Communiqué Issued by All Support Groups and Obidient Stakeholders in Kaduna Following an Interactive and Strategic Meeting.

Following a comprehensive interactive and strategic meeting of all support groups and Obidient stakeholders in Kaduna, the following resolutions were reached:

1. Expression of Gratitude: We extend our sincere appreciation to His Excellency Peter Gregory Obi, His Excellency Dr. Alex Otti, and the members of the Expanded Stakeholders Committee of the Labour Party for the appointment of the following esteemed individuals from Kaduna State: Distinguished Senator Nenadi Usman as the National Caretaker Chairperson of the Labour Party, Hon. Solomon Danbaki as the State Chairman of the Labour Party, Dr. Yunusa Tanko as a key member of the Obidient National Leadership, and Mallam Abdulkareem Ibrahim as the Presidential Candidate’s Spokesman.

Since the appointment of Hon. Solomon Danbaki, we have observed a marked improvement in the trust and confidence within the Party. Activities are being revitalized at all levels, and we are committed to offering our unwavering loyalty and support to the Party and the Obidient Movement across all levels.

2. Congratulations to the New Leadership: We formally congratulate Distinguished Senator Nenadi Usman and her team for accepting the responsibility to serve in their respective capacities. Their leadership marks a significant step forward for the Party and the Movement.

3. Condemnation of Anti-Party Activities: We condemn in the strongest possible terms the actions of the immediate past Chairman of the Party, Barrister Julius Abure, and his associates for their involvement in anti-party activities. These actions have caused significant disruption to the Party and its supporters. We urge Barrister Abure to embrace peace and accept the current reality for the greater good of the nation.

4. Reaffirmation of Labour Party’s Position: The current leadership has restored the Labour Party’s rightful position as Nigeria’s main opposition party. We call on all Nigerians to seize this opportunity and rally behind the Party as we work to reclaim the greatness of our nation.

5. Call for Membership Drive and Asset Recovery: We advise the new leadership to immediately embark on a membership drive at all levels and to create a new membership register, as we no longer have confidence in the old one. Furthermore, we recommend that deliberate efforts be made to recover all assets and funds belonging to the Party, which remain in the possession of individuals from the previous executive, led by Barrister Julius Abure.

6. Appeal to Aggrieved Members: We extend a call to all aggrieved members who may have left the Party or felt disillusioned to return and join us in our shared mission to free Nigeria from the clutches of failure. Additionally, we appeal to all Nigerians, particularly those in Kaduna, to vote massively for the Labour Party and to ensure the protection of ballots cast in favor of the Party.

7. Assurance of Commitment: We acknowledge that mistakes were made during the last general elections, which led to a loss of trust despite the many sacrifices of our supporters. We assure all members that every effort is being made to address these anomalies. We remain steadfast in our determination to reclaim Nigeria for ourselves and future generations.

8. Adoption of New Slogan: The Kaduna State Chapter of the Global Obidient Movement has adopted the following slogan: “Obidient Movement! Doing the right thing! Doing the right thing! Go and verify!”

In conclusion, we pray for divine strength and guidance for all the courageous men and women who came out in support of the Labour Party, despite the challenges. We are committed to continuing our efforts and will not be swayed by any opposition, including from figures like Julius Abure.

Thank you all for your attention.

Long live the Labour Party.
Long live Kaduna State.
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Nigeria’s Chinese Lithium Connection

By IK Solomon Akwanga

Executive Summary: 

• Chinese processing plants drive illegal mining

• Process plants are not required to check that the source of the ore is from legal / licensed operations

• The illegal operations avoid payment of royalties to the Government

• The illegal operations do not comply with environmental protection requirements 

• The illegal operators kill, maim, and intimidate communities and farmers

• Local companies are a front for Chinese owners, often through other entities in Europe or other countries with respected environmental and mining credentials as a cover

• Legally licensed mining company operators are prevented from accessing their tenements by armed illegal operators

• Illegal operators have been found to be working with illegally obtained documentation purportedly authorizing their operations

• The illegal mining activities (get in – get out quick, never mind the environment) is preventing legitimate large-scale mining such as that seen in Australia, South Africa, Canada and South America which has underpinned the massive mineral wealth generation of those countries. Nigeria is missing out.

• Super wealthy Chinese industrialists in the battery manufacturing sector are behind the processing plants 

• No downstream processing (after basic concentrators) have been built in country yet, perhaps to protect the technology and avoid technology transfer to Nigeria.

Chinese backed locally incorporated companies are illegally mining in Nigeria in great numbers. Few are legally licensed to mine. Chinese groups are building lithium concentrators in several states. The demand for lithium ore for these concentrators fuels illegal mining, completely negating the efforts of Nigeria’s Department of Mines to stamp out illegal mining. 

Local Nigerians are often used by Chinese companies as a front for illegal mining. The ore from the illegal mining is trucked to the Chinese owned concentrators. The concentrator plant operator is not required to seek proof that the ore came from a mining lease authorized to mine lithium. The requirement for the ore provider to present a copy of the Mining Lease certificate licensed to mine Lithium from which the ore was sourced, akin to a bill of lading in the oil sector, would be a major step forward in regularizing lithium mining in Nigeria and curbing illegal operations. 

Allowing Chinese concentrator plants to accept illegally mined lithium ore fuels growing insecurity as the illegal operators most often have armed security. Farmers and local resident objecting to illegal activities on their land are intimidated and sometimes killed. In one case in Kaduna State the community voted to proceed with consent for a company that held a legal licence to explore the area owned by several farmers in the community rather than give consent to illegal operators. Within hours of giving consent to the company with legal title heavily armed thugs invaded the village, murdering the main community leader who advocated support for the legal title holder, machetteing another and kidnapping the daughter of yet another supporter of the licensed mining company. The legal holders of the exploration licence or mining lease are prevented from conducting work on their tenement by armed security supporting the illegal miners.

In September last year illegal mining activities at Kurebe and other surrounding villages in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State were brought to light by Yakubu Mohammed writing for the Foundation for Investigative Journalism. Ibrahim Usman Adam, a kingpin in the  illegal mining activities was reported to be the site manager for Eso Terra, the Chinese mining company in the area. The Chinese investors behind the Nigerian front men have been accused of paying off terrorist groups to allow them to work mineral deposits where the licensed holders are prevented from working. 

Of course, the illegal operators show little regard for the environment. Their key concern is to mine the high-grade lithium as quickly as possible, before they may be required to cease work and retreat from the site. This means there is no reasonable mine plan with overburden dumped wherever is convenient, blocking waterways, and later requiring the legal holder of the tenement to undertake a major earth moving operation so that extensions or the orebody can be accessed and areas established to hold overburden and low-grade ore.

In Nigeria Chinese miners and processing plants are significantly under reporting the grades of lithium and failing to disclose Rare Earth Elements (REEs) in the lithium ore. The illegal miners are depriving the Federal Government of much needed revenue from mining royalties while leaving a trail of environmental destruction with an enormous cost to rehabilitate. With farmland and forest being lost to illegal miners often backed by Chinese companies there is little prospect of massive environmental damage being rehabilitated with the usefulness of this land lost to the Nigerian nation for many generations to come. 

Chinese companies running concentrators in Nigeria may have large processing capacities, but they are currently relying on supply of lithium ore from illegal miners.

But the major Chinese companies such as Ganfeng Lithium Industry Ltd. and Tianqi Lithium Industrial Ltd listed on the Shenzhen and Hong Kong stock exchanges that purport to be the big investors in these Nigerian ventures have nothing to do with the local Nigerian corporate entities controlled by Chinese nationals.

The Nigerian Ganfeng said it will make and sell lithium carbonate ready for the production of EV batteries. This is highly unlikely bearing in mind the cost of a lithium carbonate plant.

Similarly, CAMCE has been presented by Chinese nationals in Nigeria as the CAMC Engineering Co., Ltd. (CAMCE) affiliate to China National Machinery Industry Corporation (SINOMACH) which was established in May 2001 and was listed in Shenzhen Stock Exchange. CAMCE Nigeria turned out to be Zeyi International Trading Ltd, a locally incorporated company.

Another example of the local Nigerian front company for Chinese investors is Ajans Investment Nigeria Ltd with Lukeman Omuya, the Editor in Chief of Nigeria’s Rockpost mining magazine, as MD of Ajans. Ajans asserts they are building a lithium concentrator at Suleja, just north of Abuja, in Niger State, Nigeria. They contend they have the necessary licensing in place. There has been no confirmation of the proposal. They are in fact, owned by Tommerup Sustainable Geoming ApS, a Danish incorporated company (TSG Minerals.com) with Michael Bruun-Larsen as a Director. The Danish company is owned by Tommerup Minerals Ltd Hong Kong which in turn is owned by TSG Group China.

Avatar New Energy Materials Co., Ltd, chaired by Mr Hi Yongwei with Executive Director Zhu Xingjian, recently constructed a lithium concentrator in Nasarawa State announced by Governor Sule to have a 4,000 metric tons per day lithium processing.

Mr Zhen Hua Pei is also a big player in Nigeria’s critical minerals market. Mr Pei is the Chairman, Canmax Technologies Co., Ltd. He is the founder of Suzhou TA&A Ultra Clean Technology Co., Ltd. Mr Zhen Hua Pei currently holds the position of Chairman at Suzhou TA&A Ultra Clean Technology Co., Ltd. and Chairman for Yibin Tianyi Lithium Technology Innovation Co., Ltd. Mr Pei was listed at number 46 on China’s rich list in 2023.  His billion-dollar fortune stems from his holdings in Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL), one of the world’s largest suppliers of batteries for electric vehicles. Mr Pei has announced plans to build a $200m lithium processing plant in Nigeria. 

In contrast to the vast Chinese interests in Nigeria’s lithium and other critical minerals, no other nation has built a lithium beneficiation plant in Nigeria and the Jupiter Project is the only large lithium deposit not dedicated to providing offtake of ore or lithium concentrate to Chinese companies.

In short, China has moved decisively to capture Nigeria’s lithium and rare earth elements. China currently processes 65 per cent of the world’s lithium, according to Benchmark Mineral Intelligence, a commodities data group.

Initially small Chinese operators sought to use Nigerian front companies, often installing Nigerians as office holders and front men. But as the size and high grade of Nigeria’s critical minerals became apparent large Chinese operators have moved in and overwhelmed the mining sector. 

How much is this costing the Nigerian nation? The five Chinese owned lithium concentrator plants currently operating have an estimated combined published cost of up to US$200m each which is highly inflated while the real cost likely not to exceed US$50m in total. They are designed to process a total of 25,000 tonnes of ore per day or approximately nine million tonnes of ore per annum. This would produce around 2.25m tonnes per annum of concentrate which in today’s market at around $1,000 per tonne is worth around US$2.25b per year. With a current 5% royalty, this level of production from a legitimate mining operation should result in a royalty payment to the government of US$112.5m annually.

It is estimated that large scale legal mining operations across the whole of Nigeria would be able to produce at least five times this amount annually.

However, with most of the lithium ore coming from illegal mining operations the expected royalty paid to the government is miniscule.

It is estimated that large scale legal mining operations across the whole of Nigeria would be able to produce at least five times this amount annually with the accompanying royalty payments to the federal government of billions of dollars annually.

And that’s just for Lithium. 

Chinese interest in minerals is not limited to lithium. Going out with the lithium concentrate from Nigeria and as yet unaccounted for are massive quantities of rare earth elements and other critical minerals with their own separate royalty payments being lost to the nation.

Meanwhile, China has moved to constrain world access to Rare Earth Elements (REE). Chinese authorities announced that, from 15 September 2024, they will restrict exports of antimony, a rare earth element used in products ranging from batteries to weapons, reputedly to safeguard China’s security and interests. This follows from China’s earlier export restrictions on lithium concentrate.

One of China’s largest mining companies, Sinomine, owns the world’s only two producing caesium mines … Canada’s Tanco mine and Zimbabwe’s Bikita mine, providing a strangle hold on global caesium supply.

Chinese companies run the majority of Zimbabwe’s mines but this has not yielded the expected gains for Zimbabwe.  Like Nigeria, Zimbabwe, which has Africa’s large lithium reserves, imposed a ban on export of lithium ore, imposing a requirement for mining companies to set up processing plants to convert the lithium ore to concentrate before export in order to generate local jobs and revenue. Chinese-owned companies including Huayou, Sinomine Resource Group, Chengxin Lithium Group, Yahua Group, and Canmax Technologies have spent more than $1 billion acquiring and developing lithium projects in Zimbabwe. Little of that wealth has flowed into structural improvements in Zimbabwe’s economy.

After buying the Arcadia mine in Zimbabwe from Prospect Resources for $422 million in 2023 Chinese mining company  Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt commissioned a $300 million lithium concentrator which has the capacity to process around 450,000 metric tons of lithium concentrate annually. Under Zimbabwean law the refined lithium can then be exported for further processing into battery-grade lithium outside Zimbabwe. Where does it go …. China of course.

Is this where Nigeria is heading?

Ayodeji Adeyemi, special assistant to Nigeria’s mines and steel development minister said, “Our new mining policy demands that you add some value to raw mineral ores, including lithium, before you export.” Like Chinese operations in Zimbabwe, the lithium concentrate is shipped to China.

However, China, which controls the world’s critical minerals supply chain, is ideally placed to reap benefits in these situations, because several Chinese owned companies have recently completed processing plants in Nigeria. But will there be the technology transfer much desired by Nigeria?

In December 2023, China banned the export of technology to make rare earth magnets, adding it to an existing ban on technology to extract and separate the critical materials. Nigeria is mistaken if it thinks there will be a technology transfer from China to Nigeria in anything but the most basic and mundane processes.

China currently dominates global critical mineral supply chains, accounting for 60 percent of world-wide production and 85 percent of processing capacity. But there is little evidence that China’s dominance in the sector has been beneficial to the African nations that host the minerals. China’s contract concessions are typically opaque and heavily tilted toward Beijing. In May 2023 DRC President Felix Tshisekedi visited Beijing, following in the footsteps of the delegations from Sierra Leone, Eritrea, Ethiopia and Gabon. The DRC President was seeking to overhaul and seal a lopsided $6 billion infrastructure-for-minerals deal with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. In place since 2008, the deal has sent billions in minerals to Beijing, but little infrastructure for the DRC has materialized in return. The Chinese-owned and operated mines certainly escape the international requirements for environmental mitigation and worker safety.

Extraction of critical minerals is only the start. China has moved along the value chain to capture the refining and processing of these minerals before export to China where the balance of the value chain is completed. Ideally, Western nations could work with African nations to form a critical mineral supply chain free of Chinese influence. But Western nations are slow starting and clawing back China’s head start would be hard. Zimbabwe is likely a lost cause. Nigeria is on the cusp of being captured by China. Nigeria’s President Tinubu will travel to Beijing in September at the invitation of President Xi. Will President Tinubu hand over Nigeria’s minerals wealth as Zimbabwe has done. Nigeria among other African nations has decried the colonial era with the wholesale export of Africa’s natural resources with little benefit to the African nations. Are we seeing history repeated with “Euro” replaced by “Sino” or “Western” replaced by “Eastern” plundering of Africa’s natural resources?

IK Solomon is a Mining enthusiast and Public affairs commentator. He lives in Akwanga, Nasarawa State and could be reached on solomonkefas89@gmail.com

Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah Inducted into BLERF Hall of Fame for Outstanding Contributions to Peace and Governance

In a momentous event yesterday, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah was honoured with an induction into the prestigious Biographical Legacy and Research Foundation (BLERF) Hall of Fame. This esteemed recognition, presented by Nyaknno Abasi Osso—celebrated as Africa’s foremost Journalism Librarian—acknowledges the Bishop’s exceptional contributions to peace advocacy and good governance in Nigeria.

Nyaknno Abasi Osso praised Bishop Kukah, often referred to as “the conscience of the nation” and “Nigeria’s spiritual guide,” for his unwavering dedication to promoting national unity through interfaith dialogue, social and economic justice, and strategic governance. With deep roots in Kaduna State, Bishop Kukah has earned both local and international respect for his tireless efforts in fostering peace and nation-building.

The induction into the BLERF Hall of Fame not only celebrates Bishop Kukah’s remarkable achievements but also serves as a reminder of the profound impact of his work and the enduring relevance of his vision for a peaceful, united, and prosperous Nigeria.

As Nigerians and the global community reflect on his legacy, Bishop Kukah’s commitment to shaping a brighter future continues to inspire leaders and citizens alike.