This according to a report published by Africa Policy Research Institute (APRI), highlighting the need for a comprehensive national critical minerals strategy, reforms in mining and land laws to improve subnational participation, and increased funding for exploration, geological mapping and refining capacity.
The report indicates that Nigeria’s transition to a low-carbon economy requires a strategic focus on sectors that contribute the most to the country’s Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions.
It highlights energy, transportation, agriculture and manufacturing/industrial as the key targets for decarbonisation and says critical minerals are essential for this transition.
Zooming into the energy sector, the report shows that the sector is responsible for a significant portion of Nigeria’s GHG emissions, primarily due to the extraction and use of fossil fuels.
Presented by C&I Energy+Storage Summit Zambia and hosted by ESI Africa, this webinar brings together industry leaders, technical experts and investors to explore the evolving energy landscape for mining in sub-Saharan Africa.
It says the energy sector’s carbon intensity stems from its reliance on oil and gas for energy generation and industrial activities. The report emphasises the shift to renewable energy sources such as solar and wind is critical.
“These technologies rely on critical minerals like silicon (for solar panels), rare earth elements (for wind turbines) and copper (for electrical wiring).
“By developing its own critical mineral resources, Nigeria can reduce its dependence on fossil fuels and lower its carbon emissions from the energy sector.”
Looking into transportation, the report states that the sector is a major emitter of GHGs, largely due to the widespread use of gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles.
“The adoption of EVs is key to decarbonising the transportation sector. EVs require lithium, cobalt and nickel for their batteries.
“By investing in the extraction and processing of these minerals, Nigeria can support the domestic production and use of EVs, significantly reducing emissions from road transport.”
Touching on the manufacturing and industrial sector, the report states that it could decarbonise by adopting energy-efficient technologies and transitioning to renewable energy sources.
“Green hydrogen, produced using critical minerals like platinum and powered by renewable energy, is a potential solution for decarbonising heavy industries such as steel and cement production.”
On agriculture, the report suggests that precision agriculture, which employs technologies reliant on key minerals such as rare earth elements, can improve fertiliser and water consumption, reducing emissions.
“Additionally, the development of greener fertilisers, which require specific critical minerals, can help reduce the emissions associated with traditional synthetic fertilisers.
“Renewable energy technologies, powered by critical minerals, can also be used to electrify agricultural processes, reducing reliance on diesel-powered machinery.”
The report states that Nigeria’s rich mineral resources, including critical minerals, could help the country meet its climate goals and become a key global supplier, boosting economic growth.
“However, this will require the careful balancing of economic opportunities with environmental and social challenges, particularly regarding sustainable extraction, community engagement and value-added industries.”
Read the Developing Nigeria’s Critical Minerals Industry to support Global Energy Transition report.
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