The Federal Government has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Republic of France aimed at enhancing and diversifying the critical mineral value chain in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.
This was revealed in a statement on Sunday by Segun Tomori, the Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development.
The MoU was signed by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, during President Bola Tinubu’s visit to France.
The statement highlighted that critical minerals such as copper, lithium, nickel, cobalt, and rare earth elements are vital to clean energy technologies. Both countries have agreed to collaborate on research, training, and student exchanges between France and Nigeria to facilitate knowledge and skills transfer.
A major focus of the MoU is to promote sustainable mining practices through projects and programs designed to minimize the environmental impact of mining, including reducing carbon emissions, water consumption, and addressing climate change.
Tomori further stated that Minister Alake emphasized leveraging the partnership to attract French investment into Nigeria’s mining sector.
The MoU also encompasses the establishment of joint exploration and processing projects, with co-financing from both public and private sectors, to ensure the diversification and security of critical mineral supplies while supporting decarbonization efforts in energy projects along the value chain.
Dr. Alake signed the agreement on behalf of Nigeria, while Mr. Benjamin Gallezot, the Inter-Ministerial Delegate for Critical Ores and Metals from France, signed for France.
Both nations have committed to adopting international best practices in executing projects aimed at improving the livelihoods of local communities impacted by mining, with a strong emphasis on transparency.
