Tinubu Signs Agreement with France for Mining Projects in Nigeria
From Our Correspondent.
The Nigerian government, led by President Bola Tinubu, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with France to collaborate on joint projects in the solid minerals sector of both countries.
Critical minerals, including copper, lithium, nickel, cobalt, and rare earth elements, are essential for clean energy technologies. According to a statement by Segun Tomori, the Special Assistant on Media to the Minister, this agreement will create new opportunities for the remediation of over 2,000 abandoned mining pits in Nigeria.
Recently, at least 65 individuals lost their lives in separate incidents involving mining pit collapses across the country.
The MoU was signed during President Tinubu’s official visit to France and includes provisions for research collaboration, training, and the exchange of Franco-Nigerian students to facilitate knowledge and skills transfer.
The statement outlined a key aspect of the MoU: promoting sustainable mining practices by executing projects designed to reduce the environmental impact of mining, including its effects on carbon emissions, water consumption, and climate change.
Additionally, the agreement calls for the establishment of joint extractive and processing projects, co-financed by both public and private entities, aimed at diversifying and securing the supply of critical minerals while decarbonizing energy projects that are vital to the value chain.
The Minister for Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, signed on behalf of Nigeria, while Mr. Benjamin Gallezot, the Inter-Ministerial Delegate for Critical Ores and Metals of France, signed on behalf of France.
Both countries pledged to adopt international best practices in executing projects that enhance the living conditions of local communities impacted by mining, prioritizing transparency.
Through regular bilateral and multilateral training, seminars, and events, stakeholders in the critical metals sector are expected to enhance their capacity to manage the sector’s value chain.
Describing the agreement as a significant step for the Tinubu administration in revamping Nigeria’s solid minerals sector for international competitiveness, Dr. Alake emphasized that the ministry would leverage this partnership to attract French investors into the mining sector.
