The Federal Government of Nigeria has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Republic of France to enhance and diversify the critical mineral value chain in the solid minerals sector.
The Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Segun Tomori, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, noting that the agreement was formalized during President Bola Tinubu’s recent visit to France.
According to the statement, 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.
“Critical minerals such as copper, lithium, nickel, cobalt, and rare earth elements are essential for clean energy technologies,” the statement highlighted.
The agreement includes initiatives to promote sustainable mining practices, reduce environmental impact, and address challenges related to carbon emissions, water consumption, and climate change. Additionally, both nations will collaborate on research, training, and exchange programs for Franco-Nigerian students to facilitate knowledge and skills transfer.
Minister Alake emphasized that the partnership would open Nigeria’s mining sector to French investments, establishing co-financed joint projects for extraction and processing. These efforts aim to diversify and secure the supply of critical minerals while supporting global decarbonization goals.
Furthermore, the MoU underscores the adoption of international best practices, prioritizing transparency and improving the living conditions of communities impacted by mining activities.
