The Federal Government and the United States have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening the development of Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.
The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, and US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau.
Speaking at the signing ceremony at the Nigerian Mission House, Alake described the agreement as a forward-looking framework that would deepen cooperation between both countries in geological data and exploration, mineral development and processing, infrastructure, and technical capacity building.
He said the agreement reflected a shared commitment to ensuring that critical mineral supply chains are secure, resilient and supported by responsible investment.
“But let me be clear about Nigeria’s ambition. We are not here to remain a source of raw material for the value that others create. Our goal is to turn potential into lasting value at home through stronger local processing, new skills, quality jobs, and new opportunities for Nigerian businesses,” Alake said.
The minister said the implementation of the agreement would support the economic diversification objectives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and accelerate industrial development in Nigeria.
Landau, in his remarks, said the United States strongly supported Nigeria’s position, describing the country as Africa’s most populous nation and a regional power that deserved a strong partnership with Washington.
He said the agreement would create opportunities for greater prosperity in both countries and reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to supporting Nigeria’s economic growth.
“The signal we are sending is that the United States and Nigeria are partners,” Landau said.
“Under President Trump and President Tinubu’s leadership, the United States and Nigeria have done many things together in the last one and a half years that we’ve never done before. I think we would like to keep building on that momentum,” he added.
Also present at the ceremony were Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, Yusuf Yabo; Director-General, Nigerian Mining Cadastral Office, Simon Nkom; Chief Executive Officer, Nigeria Solid Minerals Company, Martin Imonitie; and Executive Secretary, Solid Minerals Development Fund, Fatima Shinkafi.
Members of the US delegation included Deputy Assistant Secretary for West African Affairs Rich Michael; Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for Southern Africa, Foreign Assistance and Critical Minerals, Chris Kulukund; Senior Policy Adviser to the Deputy Secretary, Wyatt Toehlkeke; and Jitu Sardar.
