'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER - In a move set to reposition Nigeria's solid minerals sector for international competitiveness, Nigeria and France have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at fostering collaboration in the development and diversification of the critical minerals value chain. The agreement, signed during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent official visit to France, underscores the commitment of both nations to sustainable mining and clean energy technologies.
A statement issued today by Segun Tomori, Special Assistant on Media to the Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals Development disclosed that the MoU targets critical minerals essential to clean energy technologies, including copper, lithium, nickel, cobalt, and rare earth elements. These materials are vital for developing sustainable technologies like batteries, electric vehicles, and renewable energy systems.
Key elements of the agreement include: Sustainable Mining Practices. Both countries will prioritize projects that minimize the environmental impact of mining activities, focusing on reducing carbon emissions, conserving water, and addressing climate change concerns.
Secondly, joint extraction and processing projects. Public and private entities from both nations will collaborate on co-financed projects to secure and diversify the supply of critical minerals while advancing decarbonized energy solutions.
Thirdly, environmental rehabilitation. The partnership will facilitate the remediation of over 2,000 abandoned mining pits in Nigeria, with plans for environmental rehabilitation and post-mining interventions.
The agreement also emphasizes capacity building through research collaborations, training programs, and Franco-Nigerian student exchanges. These initiatives aim to enhance skills transfer, enabling administrators in the critical metals sector to adopt international best practices. Regular bilateral and multilateral seminars will further improve institutional capacity to manage the sector’s value chain effectively.
Dr. Alake, Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, signed the agreement on behalf of Nigeria, while Mr. Benjamin Gallezot, France’s Inter-Ministerial Delegate for Critical Ores and Metals, represented the French government. Both parties pledged to prioritize transparency and sustainable practices in all joint projects, ensuring the local communities affected by mining activities benefit directly from the partnership.
“This MoU is a significant step in the Tinubu administration’s efforts to reposition Nigeria’s solid minerals sector for international competitiveness,” said Dr. Alake. He added that the partnership would attract French investors to Nigeria’s mining sector, creating opportunities for economic growth and job creation.
The collaboration is expected to decarbonize energy projects across the value chain while improving the environmental and social impact of mining operations. By aligning with global sustainability goals, the MoU positions Nigeria as a key player in the critical minerals sector, enhancing its capacity to meet the growing demand for clean energy resources.
As Nigeria and France gear up to implement this historic agreement, stakeholders are optimistic that the partnership will open new opportunities for innovation, investment, and sustainable development in the solid minerals sector.
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