<p>Developing high-capacity carbon-based anode materials is crucial for enhancing the performance of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). In this study, we presented a nitrogen-doped lignin mesoporous carbon/nickel/nickel oxide (NHMC/Ni/NiO) nanocomposite for developing high-capacity LIBs anode materials through carbonization and selective etching strategies. The synthesized NMHC/Ni/NiO-0.33 composite exhibited a highly regular microstructure with well-dispersed Ni/NiO particles. The composite had a surface area of 408 m²⋅g⁻¹, a mesopore ratio of 75.0%, and a pyridine–nitrogen ratio of 58.9%. The introduction of nitrogen atoms reduced the disordered structure of lignin mesoporous carbon and enhanced its electrical conductivity, thus improving the lithium storage capabilities of the composite. Following 100 cycles at a current density of 0.2 A⋅g⁻¹, the composite demonstrated enhanced Coulomb efficiency and rate performance, achieving a specific discharge capacity of 1230.9 mAh⋅g⁻¹. At a high-current density of 1 A⋅g⁻¹, the composite exhibited an excellent specific discharge capacity of 714.6 mAh⋅g⁻¹. This study presents an innovative method for synthesizing high-performance anode materials of LIBs.</p> Graphical abstract <p></p>