- Nigeria and France signed an MoU to promote sustainable mining, secure critical minerals, and rehabilitate mining communities.
- The agreement focuses on exploring critical minerals like copper, lithium, and cobalt, which are crucial for clean energy technologies while reducing environmental impact.
- Both countries plan joint extraction projects, capacity-building programs, and the rehabilitation of over 2,000 abandoned mining pits in Nigeria.
Nigeria and France have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote sustainable mining, secure critical minerals, and rehabilitate mining communities. The agreement, finalised during President Bola Tinubu’s visit to France, aims to strengthen both countries’ vital minerals value chain.
The MoU focuses on joint projects exploring critical minerals like copper, lithium, nickel, cobalt, and rare earth elements—essential for clean energy technologies. Segun Tomori, Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr. Dele Alake, confirmed that the collaboration will include research, training, and Franco-Nigerian student exchanges to enhance knowledge and skills within the mining sector.
The agreement prioritises reducing mining’s environmental impact. Both countries plan to cut carbon emissions, conserve water, and address climate change through various projects. The MoU emphasises the need for transparency and adopting international best practices in mining operations.
The partnership will support joint extraction and processing projects, with public and private entities co-financing these initiatives. Nigeria and France aim to advance decarbonisation efforts in mining-related energy projects by diversifying and securing the critical minerals supply chain.
Dr Alake signed the MoU on behalf of Nigeria, while Benjamin Gallezot, France’s Inter-Ministerial Delegate for Critical Ores and Metals, represented France. Both sides agreed to adopt sustainable practices that improve conditions in communities affected by mining activities.
Nigeria and France also plan to rehabilitate over 2,000 abandoned mining pits across Nigeria. They will execute environmental rehabilitation and post-mining projects to restore these areas, addressing a long-standing issue in Nigeria’s mining sector.
The MoU further outlines plans for training and capacity-building programs for critical minerals administrators in both countries. These programs will include bilateral and multilateral training sessions, seminars, and events to help sector leaders manage the value chain effectively.
Dr Alake described the deal as a critical step toward President Tinubu’s goal of repositioning Nigeria’s solid minerals sector. He stated that the MoU would attract more foreign investment, particularly from France, and strengthen Nigeria’s mining industry. “This agreement reinforces our commitment to building a sustainable, competitive mining sector,” he said.
Despite Nigeria’s vast reserves of solid minerals, the sector has struggled to grow due to insufficient investment. However, the MoU provides a pathway for unlocking the country’s potential in the global minerals market.
Nigeria and France will collaborate on projects that reduce mining’s environmental impact while ensuring a stable supply of critical minerals. The partnership will create opportunities for increased investment in Nigeria’s mining sector and enhance its international competitiveness.
Through this agreement, Nigeria seeks to modernise its mining industry, diversify its economy, and capitalise on the rising global demand for minerals vital to clean energy technologies.