The global demand for lithium, a critical component in electric vehicle batteries and clean energy technologies, is fueling a surge in illegal mining across Nigeria. In the rural community of Pasali, located in Nasarawa state, children are increasingly becoming the backbone of an illicit mining sector that exposes them to dangerous conditions for a pittance.
Despite Nigeria’s legal framework prohibiting child labor and providing free basic education, systemic issues such as poverty, hidden school fees, and weak law enforcement have created an environment where child exploitation thrives, particularly in remote, unregulated mining areas.
According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), over a million children worldwide work in hazardous mining conditions, with Africa being disproportionately affected due to widespread poverty and inadequate regulation. In Nigeria, children working in illegal lithium mines endure long hours, exposure to toxic dust, and unsafe working environments—often with little hope of escaping the cycle of poverty.
The Transformative Yet Exploitative Lithium Rush
Over the past decade, Pasali has transitioned from a quiet agricultural village into a hotspot for illegal lithium mining. Workers—many of them children—use rudimentary tools to extract and process lithium ore. These young laborers work in perilous conditions, facing constant risks of injury and long-term health problems due to exposure to hazardous substances.
A typical workday involves children sorting and processing up to ten bags of lithium ore, earning barely $2 to split among themselves. This meager sum is not enough to address their basic needs, but it remains their only option as they drop out of school to support their families.
While Nigeria officially offers free education, the reality for many families in these communities is starkly different. Hidden costs, such as school uniforms, books, and transportation, make education unattainable for the poorest, forcing children into the mines instead of the classroom.
Education Crisis Amidst Mining Boom
The local school in Pasali has seen a sharp decline in attendance, with many children staying home to work in the mines. Although the headmaster denies claims of hidden fees preventing enrollment, parents in the community have pointed to these costs as the main barrier to education for their children.
The absence of effective regulation and the lack of alternatives for these children has created a vicious cycle of poverty and exploitation. With mining operations continuing to expand unchecked, the situation in Pasali is far from unique—children across Nigeria’s mining regions are bearing the brunt of this dangerous industry.
Corruption and Weak Enforcement Fuel Illegal Mining
Illegal mining continues to flourish in Nigeria due to a combination of weak law enforcement, corruption, and a lack of regulatory oversight. Buyers and operators admit to paying bribes to avoid legal repercussions, allowing them to operate freely in unlicensed mines where children are often employed under hazardous conditions.
This exploitation is exacerbated by the broader economic pressures faced by many Nigerian families, who see mining as their only means of survival despite the dangers.
Calls for Urgent Action
Human rights organizations have condemned the use of child labor in Nigeria’s mining industry, calling for immediate reforms to protect children and enforce existing laws. Activists like Philip Jakpor and Juliane Kippenberg of Human Rights Watch stress the need for stronger protections as the demand for lithium continues to grow globally. They urge the Nigerian government and international corporations to take responsibility for ensuring that mining operations do not exploit vulnerable children.
In response, the Nigerian government has implemented reforms aimed at curbing child labor, including updated mining laws, the establishment of mining marshals to monitor operations, and social programs designed to keep children in school. However, critics argue that these measures have been insufficient and that more robust actions are necessary to tackle the root causes of child labor in the mining sector.
Looking to the Future: A Need for Systemic Change
Despite the bleak reality, there is hope for change. Advocacy groups are calling for stronger enforcement of child labor laws, better access to education, and more comprehensive support systems for families affected by poverty. The plight of children working in illegal lithium mines highlights the need for systemic change to break the cycle of exploitation and poverty.
As global demand for lithium continues to rise, the responsibility rests on governments, international organizations, and corporations to ensure that the pursuit of clean energy does not come at the cost of children’s futures.
In conclusion, Nigeria’s booming lithium industry presents vast economic potential, but it also brings to light a pressing human rights issue. Through stronger laws, better enforcement, and a commitment to education, Nigeria can protect its children from exploitation while continuing to benefit from the growing global demand for lithium.