Australian miner announces lithium-rich mineral discovery in Nigeria after securing six licences

Australian miner Chariot Resources Limited has announced a lithium-rich mineral discovery in Nigeria following the approval of six mining licences by the Nigerian Mining Cadastre Office (MCO), marking a significant step in its entry into the country’s critical minerals sector.

In a statement, the company said the MCO approved the transfer of a total of six licences—comprising four exploration licences and two small-scale mining licences—from Continental Lithium Limited to C&C Minerals Limited, its Nigerian joint venture entity.

The licences cover both exploration permits at the Fonlo and Gbugbu projects, as well as small-scale mining interests at the Saki project, effectively consolidating Chariot’s control over key assets in the region.

Shanthar Pathmanathan, Executive Chairman & Managing Director of Chariot, said:“These approvals are monumental for the Company and indeed the global lithium sector as they signify the first entry of an ASX-listed lithium company into the high-potential lithium sector in Nigeria, which hosts lithium pegmatites that are already producing spodumene for the Chinese market but remain almost entirely undrilled."

The approvals represent substantial progress toward completing Chariot’s acquisition of a 66.667 percent stake in C&C Minerals, with Continental Lithium retaining the remaining 33.333 percent.

The company described the development as a key regulatory milestone that materially de-risks its Nigerian lithium portfolio acquisition.

Chariot also confirmed that four additional licences—three at Saki and one at Iganna—are still awaiting final approval from the MCO.

Spodumene discovery strengthens Nigeria lithium ambitions

Independent laboratory analysis conducted by the University of British Columbia confirmed the presence of high-value spodumene across all six sampled sites from the Fonlo and Iganna projects.

According to The West Australian, the mineral accounted for between 28.4 percent and 75.3 percent of crystalline content, a result the company says significantly strengthens its development outlook.

Spodumene is considered one of the most commercially viable lithium-bearing minerals due to its relatively straightforward processing compared to more complex alternatives such as lepidolite, which was not detected in any of the samples.

The six samples also returned lithium oxide grades ranging from 2.66 percent to 5.96 percent, reinforcing expectations of high-grade mineralisation.

Additionally, elevated caesium values were recorded, with pollucite reaching up to 9.5 percent in one Iganna sample, indicating strong lithium-caesium-tantalum (LCT) pegmatite potential.

Chariot said the findings support its plan to advance drill-ready targets and accelerate exploration across its Nigerian portfolio.

The company added that the mineralogical results substantially de-risk its development pathway and will guide upcoming exploration, fieldwork, and potential small-scale mining assessments as it moves toward phased project development in Nigeria.

By Solomon Ekanem, Business Insider Africa

Related stories: Nigeria says it has pulled in $2.6 billion into mining as it seeks US backing to make Africa a global critical minerals hub

Poverty forces Nigerian families into backyard mining

Nigerian artisans preserve handwoven fabric amid rising global demand

In Iseyin, a sleepy town in southwestern Nigeria, shaded spaces under trees, makeshift sheds, and narrow alleys serve as production hubs for aso-oke, a handwoven fabric indigenous to the Yoruba people.

Demand for this fabric has surged both domestically and internationally, fuelled by the Nigerian diaspora and the growing global recognition of the country’s fashion and music culture. Despite this popularity, artisans steadfastly resist mechanisation, maintaining that handweaving is essential to the fabric’s unique character.

Located roughly 200km (108 miles) from Lagos, Nigeria’s cultural and fashion epicentre, Iseyin stands as the acknowledged home of aso-oke. Under the intense heat of a muggy morning, yards of yarn and freshly woven fabrics stretch across dusty spaces surrounded by weathered sheds where weavers diligently work behind wooden looms. The craft has become an economic lifeline, attracting young people, including university graduates, who flock to Iseyin to learn the tradition.

Bare-chested with tattooed biceps glistening, Waliu Fransisco works at his wooden loom, the rhythmic click-clack filling the air as he weaves a cream-and-blue fabric. Ten years ago, Fransisco abandoned his career as a Lagos nightclub singer to master aso-oke weaving. Though he initially found the physical demands challenging, he has no regrets about his decision.

“Now I earn a decent living from weaving aso-oke and I’m satisfied,” the 34-year-old told AFP.

Aso-oke, which roughly translates to “the cloth from up country”, is a thick, often vibrantly multicoloured fabric that has become a staple in Nigeria, Africa’s fashion capital. It appears in traditional ceremonial attire, statement fashion pieces, and casual wear. Strips are sewn onto other fabrics, adding distinctive color and elegance, as seen when Meghan Markle wore an aso-oke wrapper and shoulder shawl during her visit to Nigeria with Britain’s Prince Harry two years ago.

In Iseyin, the steady rhythm of ancient wooden looms provides the soundtrack to a tradition passed through generations. Aso-oke remains both a cultural emblem and a marker of identity. Historically, production involved preparing threads from cotton or silk—cleaning, spinning, and dyeing fibers using traditional methods before setting them on looms, with limited colour options.

Today’s weavers increasingly use loom-ready threads in diverse colours “mostly imported from China”, according to 42-year-old weaver Abdulhammed Ajasa. Artisans spend hours arranging threads on looms to create narrow, tightly patterned strips that are later sewn together into wider cloths for garments and accessories.

“This is what Iseyin is known for,” says Kareem Adeola, 35, from behind his loom. “We inherited it from our forefathers.”

AFP

Nigerian politician arrested for allegedly providing false intelligence to embassies

Aliyu Gebi, a Nigerian politician and security consultant was arrested last week and subsequently granted bail over allegations that he supplied what security sources described as false intelligence to foreign embassies in Nigeria, PREMIUM TIMES can report.

Mr Gebi, a lawmaker in the 7th House of Representatives, was arrested by operatives of the State Security Service (SSS) on Friday, 03 April, according to sources with direct knowledge of the matter.

The politician who has now become a prominent figure in Nigeria’s security architecture, allegedly provided “false intelligence” to embassies in Nigeria.

A security source who was not authorised to speak to the press about the matter, said Mr Gebi’s report ignited tension, forcing some airlines to cancel flights to Nigeria.

“Lufthansa cancelled flights scheduled to take off to Nigeria,” the source said, adding British Airways nearly did the same.

Another source said the same intelligence was relied upon by the United States to issue an advisory to its citizens in Nigeria. Citing “deteriorating security situation”, the US Department of State, in a tweet on Wednesday, asked its non-essential workers in Nigeria to leave the country due to worsening security conditions. The Nigerian government has refuted this claim, urging Nigeria’s partners to ensure balanced and up-to-date reporting that reflects the “progress being made” to secure Nigeria.

Describing the West African country as unsafe, the US advised Americans to reconsider travelling to Nigeria. In its updated travel advisory, the US Department of State listed armed robbery, kidnapping, assault, and roadside banditry as violent crimes that are common across the country.

Places like Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Kogi, Jigawa, Kwara, Niger, Plateau, Taraba, Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, and Katsina were listed as states with higher risk. Other states listed include Sokoto, Zamfara, Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers.

While the content of Mr Gebi’s report could not be obtained by this newspaper, many sources said it created diplomatic tension.

“Many embassies received the report and wanted to act on it, but the Nigerian government dialogued with them and they shelved their plans,” another source told PREMIUM TIMES.

“But the United States went ahead to issue that advisory,” he added.

The diplomatic relationship between Abuja and Washington worsened last year when the latter redesignated Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern following false claims of “Christian genocide” in Nigeria, a claim which was propagated by President Donald Trump and some Republican lawmakers.

While the Nigerian government admitted that the country is facing threats, it argued that Nigerians of all faiths are victims of terror attacks. The United States maintained its position and launched missiles on Nigerian territory, claiming that it targeted Islamic State fighters in Sokoto, North-west. The Nigerian government later said it was briefed before the attack and provided the intelligence used by the US.

Mr Trump would later accept that Muslims are also victims of violence in Nigeria. This was followed by the deployment of US troops to the North-east where the Boko Haram insurgency has lingered for more than a decade. The Nigerian military said the US troops will not be involved in combat operations but will provide training and technical support.

Investigation continues

While Mr Gebi had been granted bail, sources said he’s being investigated and will be charged in court afterwards.

The former politician, this newspaper gathered, has been reporting to the SSS headquarters since the incident.

“He has been going to the SSS office since he was granted bail,” one source said. “He is being investigated and will be charged in court.”

PREMIUM TIMES could not reach Mr Gebi for comments. His line was switched off and messages sent to him on WhatsApp and via SMS had neither been acknowledged nor responded to. Our reporter observed that he has not been active on WhatsApp, raising suspicion that his phone might have been confiscated by the secret police.


Who is Gebi?

Mr Gebi, was born on 17 January 1975 in Bauchi State.

He was elected to the House of Representatives in 2011 where he chaired the committee on internal security.

He subsequently became a special adviser at the ministry of interior between 2015 and 2023.

Mr Gebi was later appointed as special adviser on non-kinetic security strategies at the Defence Headquarters where he focused on peace frameworks, early warning systems and coordinated responses to insurgency and cross-border terrorism.

By Yakubu Mohammed, Premium Times

Related story: US expands Nigeria travel warning, lets embassy staff leave Abuja

Nigeria’s poverty crisis deepens as 140 million struggle despite easing inflation

Poverty in Nigeria deepened sharply to 63 per cent in 2025, affecting an estimated 140 million people, even as inflation began to slow, highlighting a widening gap between macroeconomic gains and the lived realities of households, according to the World Bank.

The alarming figure was disclosed in the Bank’s latest Nigeria Development Update (April 2026), titled “Nigeria’s Tomorrow Must Start Today: The Case for Early Childhood Development”, unveiled in Abuja on Tuesday. The report paints a sobering picture of worsening living conditions, despite signs of stability in key economic indicators.

According to the report, poverty levels have steadily climbed over the past three years, rising from 56 per cent in 2023 to 61 per cent in 2024, before peaking at 63 per cent in 2025. This upward trajectory underscores the persistent vulnerability of millions of Nigerians, particularly in the face of structural economic challenges, weak income growth, and uneven distribution of economic gains.

The World Bank noted that while inflationary pressures began to ease during the period under review, the decline did not translate into improved purchasing power or higher real incomes for most citizens. Instead, households continued to grapple with high living costs, stagnant wages, and limited access to economic opportunities.

“This trend reflects a disconnect between macroeconomic stabilisation and improvements in household welfare,” the report stated, warning that the benefits of policy reforms and fiscal adjustments have yet to reach the majority of Nigerians.

Analysts say the findings highlight deeper structural issues within the economy, including low productivity, high unemployment, and inadequate social safety nets. Despite recent policy efforts aimed at stabilising the naira, boosting government revenues, and curbing inflation, the impact has largely remained at the macro level, with minimal trickle-down effect on ordinary citizens.

The report further emphasised that children are among the most affected by the rising poverty levels, with long-term implications for human capital development. It called for urgent investment in early childhood development, nutrition, healthcare, and education as a pathway to breaking the cycle of poverty.

“Without targeted interventions, the current trajectory risks entrenching intergenerational poverty,” the Bank warned, stressing that early investment in children yields some of the highest economic and social returns.

The World Bank also urged the Nigerian government to strengthen social protection systems, expand cash transfer programmes, and prioritise inclusive growth policies that directly impact low-income households. It noted that while macroeconomic reforms are necessary, they must be complemented by measures that address inequality and improve livelihoods.

The report comes at a time when Nigeria is implementing sweeping economic reforms, including subsidy removals and exchange rate unification policies that have drawn mixed reactions due to their short-term impact on living standards.

As policymakers push for economic recovery and stability, the World Bank’s findings serve as a clear signal that growth without inclusion may deepen hardship rather than alleviate it.

By Kenneth Athekame, Business Day

Women at the frontline of Nigeria’s disease detection and response

Women are at the frontline of Nigeria’s disease detection and response. Their work drives faster reporting, higher vaccination coverage and stronger trust between communities and health services.

“When my son developed a rash, I was scared,” says Hauwa Mohammed, a mother from Angwan Gangaran Tudu in Keffi, Nasarawa State. “But the women health workers came to our home, explained what to do and helped us get care quickly.”
Her experience reflects what is happening across many parts of Nigeria. When health threats emerge, women are often the first to respond. They support families, counter misinformation and connect communities to care.

Women protecting children during a measles outbreak

When measles cases began to surface in Angwan Gangaran Tudu, concern spread quickly among caregivers. Measles remains one of the leading causes of vaccine‑preventable child mortality in Nigeria, particularly among children who miss routine

Women health workers mobilised immediately. They went door to door to share accurate information, encourage early reporting of symptoms and explain when and where to seek care. Their actions helped families act early and supported wider outbreak containment efforts.

Across Nigeria, women form many frontline health workers involved in maternal, newborn and child health services . They provide essential care in clinics, laboratories, emergency operations centres and rural communities, supporting national priorities under the National Strategic Health Development Plan II and National Primary Health Care Development Agency programmes.

Serving a population of around 220 million people , Nigeria’s health system relies heavily on trusted community health workers, many of whom are women, especially in rural and hard‑to‑reach settings.

From community action to measurable results

The response also showed how investing in women strengthens routine systems, not only emergency response.
“When women are trained and trusted at the community level, the results are clear,” said Dr Zeenat Kabir Asma’i, World Health Organization (WHO) North Central Zonal Coordinator. “We see earlier case detection, higher vaccination uptake and better follow‑up with families. These are not short‑term gains. They improve how the health system works every day.”

During the recent measles response in Nasarawa State, women mobilisers supported surveillance teams to reach households early.

Outputs included:

. 76 500 doses of measles vaccines delivered
. 11 cold chain units deployed
. Five health facilities supported to strengthen routine immunisation and reporting
. A vaccination workforce made up of 78 percent women

These outputs led to outcomes:

. Vaccination coverage increased from 60 percent to 97 percent in targeted communities
. Faster reporting of suspected cases
. Fewer non‑compliant households
. Stronger trust between caregivers and health workers

At Angwan Waje Primary Health Care facility, community health worker Jamila Musa Zakari identified suspected measles cases and referred them for documentation. Women volunteers used immunisation sessions, antenatal clinics, home visits and community announcements to address rumours that had previously delayed care‑seeking.

“When we visit homes, mothers listen to us because we understand their worries,” says Hauwa Nasir, a community volunteer vaccinator. “We explain how early reporting protects their children.”

Some settlements, including Karama, initially resisted vaccination, particularly among nomadic families who had migrated from Zamfara, Sokoto and Katsina States. Many households prioritised food and basic needs over health services. Women volunteers worked with village heads and fathers to address concerns, improving vaccine acceptance.


Women’s leadership strengthens health systems

Before the intervention, measles reporting in the affected local government area followed a three‑year trend: 22 cases in 2023, 24 in 2024 and 17 in 2025 . After the women‑led response, reported cases declined further.

WHO supported the response with technical guidance, training and supplies, while the Government of Nigeria led implementation through state and local health authorities, ensuring national ownership and alignment with public health priorities.

“Women contribute as community volunteers, health professionals and programme leaders,” said Dr Pavel Ursu, WHO Representative in Nigeria. “When women are supported to lead, health services become more responsive to the people they serve.”
Dr Grace Amos Tsakpa, State Epidemiologist, Ministry of Health, Nasarawa State, added:

“Strengthening women’s leadership is not only a matter of equity. It is essential for building a resilient health system that serves every community.”


A growing impact across Nigeria

From community volunteers in Borno to surveillance officers in Kano and midwives in Rivers State, women are strengthening disease surveillance, improving vaccination uptake and building confidence in health services, including in conflict‑affected and hard‑to‑reach settings.

Back in Angwan Gangaran Tudu, families say they feel better prepared.
“Now we know what to look for, and we report quickly,” Hauwa Mohammed says. “The women health workers helped us protect our children.”


What needs to happen next

Nigeria has made progress, but gaps remain in women’s access to leadership roles, training and career advancement.
A clear call to action:For policymakers: Invest in women’s leadership across the health workforce
For partners and donors: Support gender‑responsive health systems and community‑based surveillance
For communities: Continue early reporting and ensure children receive routine immunization

Women are not only delivering health services in Nigeria. They are shaping stronger, faster and more trusted responses that protect families and save lives.

WHO