The growing global demand for critical minerals, driven by the transition to low-carbon energy systems, highlights the need for sustainable and responsible resource management. This case study, commissioned by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, assesses the sustainable production of lithium in Nigeria through literature review, stakeholder consultations, and analysis of a lithium project under development. The study examines Nigeria’s lithium sector in relation to the United Nations Resource Management System and Africa’s Green Minerals Strategy, and identifies policy measures to enhance sustainability. Findings suggest that integrating these frameworks can enable Nigeria to benefit from rising lithium demand while promoting circular, environmentally responsible, and socially inclusive resource development. Sustainable lithium projects can support climate change mitigation, reduce waste, and strengthen the supply of materials for electric vehicle batteries, provided that environmental, social, and governance standards remain central to investment and development efforts.