Nigeria and France have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at advancing sustainable mining practices, securing critical minerals, and promoting environmental rehabilitation in mining communities.
Under the agreement, the two countries will collaborate on joint projects designed to diversify and enhance the value chain of critical minerals in the solid minerals sector. These minerals, including copper, lithium, nickel, cobalt, and rare earth elements, are vital for the development of clean energy technologies, according to a statement by Segun Tomori, Special Assistant on Media to Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr. Dele Alake.
The MoU, signed during President Bola Tinubu’s official visit to France, includes commitments to joint research, training, and Franco-Nigerian student exchanges for knowledge and skills transfer. A key component of the MoU is the promotion of sustainable mining by initiating projects and programs aimed at reducing the environmental impact of mining activities, particularly concerning carbon emissions, water usage, and climate change.
“The MoU also outlines the creation of joint extractive and processing ventures, co-financed by both public and private entities, to secure the supply of critical minerals and decarbonize energy projects critical to the sector’s value chain,” the statement explained.
The signing ceremony was attended by Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr. Dele Alake, and Mr. Benjamin Gallezot, Inter-Ministerial Delegate for Critical Ores and Metals of the Republic of France.
Both countries have committed to adopting international best practices in the execution of mining-related projects, focusing on improving the welfare of local communities affected by mining activities and ensuring transparency in all processes. The MoU also lays the groundwork for the remediation of over 2,000 abandoned mining pits in Nigeria, with plans for environmental rehabilitation and post-mining interventions.
The partnership is expected to enhance the capacity of key stakeholders in the critical metals sector through regular bilateral and multilateral training, seminars, and events, helping them manage the value chain more effectively.
Minister Alake described the agreement as a significant step toward revitalizing Nigeria’s solid minerals sector, positioning it for international competitiveness. He emphasized that the partnership would attract French investors, unlocking the sector’s vast potential. Despite Nigeria’s rich deposits of solid minerals, the sector has long struggled with insufficient investment, limiting its growth and development.
