In a significant development for Nigeria’s mining sector, the country and France have taken further steps toward actualizing the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in Paris last month. This MOU aims to enhance the mining industry in Nigeria, focusing on sustainable practices, environmental impact reduction, and decarbonization of energy projects. The latest developments were announced during the ongoing Future Minerals Forum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Strategic Steps Forward
The announcement came from a press statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, highlighting that both countries have made critical advancements in their collaboration on the sidelines of the forum. Dele Alake, Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, and Benjamin Gallezot, France’s Inter-Ministerial Delegate for Strategic Minerals, reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the objectives outlined in the MOU.
Gallezot shared that his department is currently vetting French companies interested in investing in Nigeria’s mining sector. These companies, once verified as serious investors, will be forwarded to Nigeria’s Ministry of Solid Minerals Development for further engagement. This marks a significant step in the joint effort to strengthen Nigeria’s mining industry, attract foreign investments, and boost economic growth.
A Collaborative Vision for Sustainable Mining
The MOU between Nigeria and France has several key components aimed at improving the mining landscape in Nigeria. These include research collaborations, knowledge exchange, and capacity-building initiatives, particularly through Franco-Nigerian student training programs. In addition, environmental rehabilitation efforts will focus on addressing the challenges posed by over 2,000 abandoned mining sites across Nigeria.
Alake expressed gratitude towards Gallezot for his collaboration in making the MOU a reality, despite the time constraints during the recent visit of Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu to France. He also took the opportunity to address political opponents who had attempted to misrepresent the objectives of the MOU, stating that such efforts had been successfully countered.
Key Discussions at the Forum
The Future Minerals Forum served as a platform for both countries to advance their partnership in the mining sector. The discussions covered a broad range of critical issues, including sustainable mining practices, artisanal mining, geological exploration, cadastral management, and the review of mining laws in both nations.
Olusegun Ige, Director-General of the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA), stressed the need for modern technological equipment to enhance geological data exploration. He noted that the lack of such equipment had hindered the exploration of mineral-rich areas, which could significantly contribute to Nigeria’s mining sector. The need for state-of-the-art laboratories to analyze extracted rocks and generate accurate data was also highlighted.
Strengthening the Legal and Financial Framework
Simon Nkom, Director-General of the Nigerian Mining Cadastral Office, called for a comparison of the mining laws of France and Nigeria to identify areas of common practice and potential improvements. This comparison could play a crucial role in the ongoing review of Nigeria’s mining laws, aiming to create a more conducive environment for investment and growth.
Fatima Shinkafi, Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Solid Minerals Fund (SMDF), proposed a co-funding model for early-stage exploration projects. She emphasized that the SMDF has gathered valuable historical data and best practices through collaborations with organizations like the Africa Finance Corporation. By involving French financial institutions, she suggested that more funding could be secured for Nigerian mining entrepreneurs.
A Promising Future for Geosciences in Africa
Christophe Poinssot, Deputy Director of the Bureau de Recherches Geologiques et Minieres (BRGM), France’s Geological Agency, responded to the discussions by pledging that Nigeria would be included in France’s funding initiatives aimed at building the capacity of geologists across Africa. This commitment promises to provide Nigerian geologists with the necessary resources to develop their skills and expertise, further strengthening the country’s mining sector.
Conclusion
The partnership between Nigeria and France, formalized through the MOU, represents a major milestone in the development of Nigeria’s mining industry. With a focus on sustainable practices, capacity building, and environmental rehabilitation, both countries are laying the groundwork for a more robust and economically viable mining sector in Nigeria. The ongoing discussions at the Future Minerals Forum indicate that this collaboration has the potential to generate lasting benefits, not just for the two countries but for the broader African mining landscape as well.
