The Nigerian government, led by President Bola Tinubu, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with France to advance collaborative projects in the solid minerals sector. The agreement focuses on critical minerals such as copper, lithium, nickel, cobalt, and rare earth elements, essential for clean energy technologies. The partnership aims to address environmental concerns by remediating over 2,000 abandoned mining pits across Nigeria and promoting sustainable mining practices.
The MoU, signed during Tinubu’s official visit to France, emphasizes joint research, training programs, and Franco-Nigerian student exchanges to facilitate knowledge and skills transfer. It also outlines plans for co-financed projects involving public and private entities to diversify and secure critical mineral supplies while decarbonizing energy-intensive mining activities. Both countries committed to adopting international best practices to enhance transparency and improve the lives of communities affected by mining.
Dr. Dele Alake, Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, and Mr. Benjamin Gallezot, France’s Inter-Ministerial Delegate for Critical Ores and Metals, signed the agreement on behalf of their respective countries. Alake described the deal as a significant step toward repositioning Nigeria’s mining sector for global competitiveness, highlighting its potential to attract French investment and advance the administration’s vision for sustainable economic growth.