A Federal High Court in Lagos has sentenced two Chinese nationals to a combined 50 years in prison for the illicit export of lithium and copper from Nigeria.
Justice Akintayo Aluko handed down the verdict against Zhang Hong Lin and Gao Pei Hai, marking a significant escalation in the enforcement of Nigeria’s critical mineral regulations.
The case underscores the growing scrutiny surrounding the supply chains for battery-grade materials.
As global demand for lithium and copper intensifies, Nigeria has moved to tighten controls over its mineral wealth, aiming to prevent raw material outflows and capture more value domestically.
The severity of the sentences suggests that authorities are prioritizing deterrence in the sector.
For international traders and manufacturers sourcing from West Africa, the ruling introduces heightened compliance risks.