Nigeria is setting its sights on a bold industrial transformation by prioritizing the development of its mining and automotive sectors, as part of a broader strategy to diversify its economy and reduce reliance on crude oil revenues.
Speaking at a high-level investment forum in Abuja on Thursday, top government officials and industry leaders outlined ambitious plans to reposition the country as a regional manufacturing hub through strategic exploitation of its vast mineral resources and the creation of a competitive automotive industry.
Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Doris Uzoka-Anite, said the government is determined to unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s underutilized solid minerals, which include lithium, gold, and rare earth elements—critical components for electric vehicle (EV) batteries and other high-tech applications.
“Our focus is to turn mining into a catalyst for sustainable economic growth and job creation,” she said. “This will provide the raw materials to power not just Nigeria’s future, but contribute significantly to the global energy transition.”
The push for mining reform is closely aligned with efforts to boost domestic automotive manufacturing, especially electric vehicles. Nigeria’s National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) is reportedly in talks with international carmakers and battery producers to set up local assembly and component manufacturing plants.
Director General of NADDC, Jelani Aliyu, noted that with strategic investments, Nigeria could become a leading player in Africa’s auto market within the next decade.
“The vision is to create a self-sustaining value chain—from mineral extraction to EV production—right here in Nigeria,” Aliyu said. “We want to produce vehicles made by Nigerians, for Africa and the world.”
The federal government is also finalizing incentives under the new Automotive Policy Framework, including tax breaks, export support, and partnerships with the private sector to build industrial clusters and specialized skills training centers.
Analysts say the success of this dual-sector strategy will depend on regulatory clarity, investment in infrastructure, and security in mining regions.
Nevertheless, industry stakeholders remain optimistic. “The opportunity is enormous,” said Aisha Bello, CEO of a Lagos-based manufacturing consortium. “Nigeria has the resources and the people. What we need now is to execute with urgency and focus.”
If successful, the government’s approach could signal a new chapter in Nigeria’s industrial journey—one defined not by oil wells, but by innovation, minerals, and machines.
