The Federal Government of Nigeria and France have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote sustainable mining and diversify the value chain of critical minerals in both nations.
Critical minerals such as copper, lithium, nickel, cobalt, and rare earth elements, essential to clean energy technologies, are the focus of the partnership. The agreement is expected to unlock new opportunities for environmental restoration, including the remediation of over 2,000 abandoned mining pits across Nigeria.
According to a statement by Segun Tomori, Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, the partnership aligns with efforts to address recent mining tragedies that claimed at least 65 lives due to pit collapses.
The MoU was signed during President Bola Tinubu’s official visit to France, emphasizing research collaboration, training programs, and Franco-Nigerian student exchanges for knowledge and skills transfer. The agreement also outlines joint extractive and processing projects, co-financed by public and private entities, to secure critical mineral supplies and support clean energy initiatives.
Dr. Dele Alake, Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, signed on behalf of Nigeria, while Mr. Benjamin Gallezot, Inter-Ministerial Delegate for Critical Ores and Metals, represented France. Both parties committed to international best practices to ensure transparency and improve the living conditions of communities affected by mining.
Dr. Alake described the agreement as a significant step toward repositioning Nigeria’s solid minerals sector for global competitiveness, adding that the partnership would attract French investors and enhance the nation’s economic development.
