The Federal Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Republic of France to enhance and diversify the critical mineral value chain in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.
The agreement was announced in a statement on Sunday by Segun Tomori, Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development. The MoU was signed by Dele Alake, Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, during President Bola Tinubu’s visit to France.
The statement highlighted the significance of critical minerals such as copper, lithium, nickel, cobalt, and rare earth elements, which are vital for clean energy technologies. Under the agreement, both countries will collaborate on research, training, and student exchange programs to facilitate knowledge and skills transfer.
A key focus of the MoU is promoting sustainable mining practices, with projects aimed at reducing the environmental impact of mining, including lowering carbon emissions, minimizing water consumption, and addressing climate change.
Tomori further explained that Minister Alake emphasized the opportunity to attract French investors to Nigeria’s mining sector through this partnership. The MoU also outlines the establishment of joint mining and processing projects, co-financed by public and private entities, to ensure a stable supply of critical minerals and support the decarbonization of energy projects.
Dr. Alake signed the MoU on behalf of Nigeria, while Mr. Benjamin Gallezot, Inter-Ministerial Delegate for Critical Ores and Metals of France, signed for France. Both nations agreed to implement projects based on international best practices, with a focus on improving the livelihoods of local communities impacted by mining and maintaining transparency.
