Nigeria is seeking to establish a strategic alliance with Uzbekistan aimed at advancing its solid minerals and mining sector. This proposal was made by the Deputy Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, during a visit to Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Mining Industry and Geology in Tashkent, where he met with the country’s Minister of Mining and Geology, Yusupov Ural Sadullayevich.
Mr Kalu, accompanied by a delegation including Senator Ireti Kingibe, lawmakers Olumide Osoba and Mark Esset, as well as the Clerk of the National Assembly, Kamorudeen Ogunlana, underscored the importance of collaboration to harness Nigeria’s rich mineral resources for national development.
Minister Sadullayevich, in response, shared insights into Uzbekistan’s transformative reforms in the mining sector, which have made it the nation’s largest source of employment. He highlighted that the country’s economic growth has been bolstered by policies that promote the development of industries using byproducts from its abundant natural resources.
Expressing a willingness to support Nigeria’s aspirations, Sadullayevich said Uzbekistan was open to sharing technical knowledge and experience. He also proposed academic exchange programmes focused on mining and geology to build capacity among Nigerian students.
The two countries agreed to pursue stronger trade ties, arrange reciprocal visits, and deepen discussions on collaboration within the mining industry.
This engagement was part of Mr Kalu’s wider participation in the 150th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, held in Uzbekistan.
