Environmental Experts Raise Alarm Over Unchecked Lithium Mining in Nasarawa

Environmental experts are warning of an impending ecological crisis in Nasarawa State and other parts of north-central Nigeria, driven by a rapid and poorly regulated expansion of lithium mining.

Experts who spoke with our correspondent expressed concern that the surge in artisanal and industrial mining activities, fueled by the global demand for the mineral used in electric vehicle batteries, is posing severe threats to water sources, farmlands, and public health.

While the Federal Government has prioritized lithium as a strategic mineral, attracting investments estimated at up to $1.3 billion over two years, communities in mining areas like Nasarawa Toto are already bearing the brunt. Residents report that once-quiet agrarian settlements are now grappling with dust pollution and anxieties over wastewater discharge from processing operations.

Prof. Chukwumerije Okereke, an environmental expert, warned that without strict oversight, Nigeria risks trading its oil-related challenges for a “lithium curse.”

“Lithium mining is increasing, not only in Nasarawa but across states like Niger, Benue, Kogi, and Kaduna. The environmental problems are significant: land disturbance, dust, and majorly, water contamination from heavy metals and mine tailings,” Okereke stated.

He identified four major threats: water pollution by heavy metals, air quality degradation from dust, land deforestation, and the seepage of toxic mine waste. He specifically pointed to communities like Uke in Karu LGA and Abuni in Awe LGA, where residents have allegedly complained of destroyed farmlands, polluted water sources, and even the deaths of children linked to contaminated water.

A major point of contention is the alleged lack of transparency and community engagement by mining firms. Both Prof. Okereke and Philip Jakpor, Executive Director of the Renevlyn Development Initiative, questioned whether proper Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs) have been conducted and disclosed to the public, as required by law.

“The monitoring systems and activities are on paper only,” Jakpor alleged. “Farmlands are being destroyed, water bodies polluted, and air quality degraded, leading to displacement and loss of livelihoods. Host communities must be carried along from the outset, and their recommendations must inform the decision to mine.”

Jakpor also noted that the geography of areas like Toto heightens the risk, as local streams flow into the Benue River, potentially spreading pollution to one of Nigeria’s major waterways downstream.

Residents in the affected areas corroborated these claims. A community member, Aisha Abdullahi, described health issues arising from contact with local water sources. “When people take their bath in the water, they get cold and sometimes even get sick, but in one or two weeks they get better,” she said.

Another resident, Abubakar Aliyu, pointed to visible changes in the water. “The water now looks white, and that tells them that it is dangerous, hence they don’t go near it. It is not their fault but that of the government,” he said, calling for regulatory intervention.

Suleiman Doma also raised concerns about structural safety, warning that extensive stone excavation could lead to ground collapses. “Stones are being taken from under the earth, and as it is currently… they can collapse at anytime,” he cautioned.

While the Mining Act 2007 is under review to strengthen environmental remediation and community agreements, experts expressed cautious optimism. “The reviewed Act is yet to be passed, and after it is passed, we will have to monitor for enforcement,” Jakpor said. “We have a long road to justice for mining host communities.”