In a significant development for Nigeria’s solid minerals sector, the Federal Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Republic of France to enhance the value chain of critical minerals. The agreement aims to promote sustainable mining practices and attract French investment into the burgeoning industry.
The MoU was signed by Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, and France’s Inter-Ministerial Delegate for Critical Ores and Metals, Benjamin Gallezot. The signing took place on the sidelines of President Bola Tinubu’s official visit to France, marking a new chapter in Franco-Nigerian economic collaboration.
Critical minerals such as copper, lithium, nickel, cobalt, and rare earth elements are pivotal to the global clean energy transition. This partnership aims to strengthen the supply chain for these resources, ensuring their sustainable extraction and use.
The agreement also emphasizes research and development, knowledge transfer, and student exchange programs between the two nations. “Both countries agreed to collaborate on research, training, and Franco-Nigerian student exchanges to promote knowledge and skills transfer,” said Segun Tomori, Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, in a statement.
A key aspect of the MoU is its commitment to sustainable mining practices. Projects under this partnership will focus on reducing the environmental footprint of mining activities, particularly concerning carbon emissions, water usage, and climate change.
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“The agreement includes joint execution of projects to decarbonize energy processes critical to the mineral value chain while prioritizing transparency and improving the conditions of local communities affected by mining,” Tomori explained.
Minister Alake highlighted the MoU as a pathway to opening Nigeria’s mining sector to French investors. The agreement envisions co-financing projects by public and private entities in both countries. These initiatives aim to establish joint extraction and processing facilities while diversifying the mineral value chain.
The partnership also aligns with international best practices, ensuring that mining operations prioritize the welfare of local communities and maintain transparency.
This MoU adds another dimension to Nigeria-France relations, underscoring the shared commitment to economic growth and environmental sustainability. With this partnership, Nigeria positions itself as a key player in the global market for critical minerals, which are increasingly in demand for clean energy technologies.
As the world shifts toward greener energy, collaborations like this could prove pivotal in driving sustainable development and fostering mutually beneficial relationships between nations.
