The Federal Government of Nigeria has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Republic of France to advance and diversify the critical mineral value chain within the solid minerals sector.
This was revealed in a statement issued on Sunday by Segun Tomori, the Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake.
According to the statement, the MoU was signed by Minister Dele Alake during President Bola Tinubu’s visit to France.
“Critical minerals such as copper, lithium, nickel, cobalt, and rare earth elements are essential to clean energy technologies,” the statement read.
The agreement includes collaboration on research, training, and Franco-Nigerian student exchanges to facilitate knowledge and skills transfer.
“A key component of the MOU is the promotion of sustainable mining activities by executing projects and programmes that reduce the environmental impact of mining on carbon emissions, water consumption, and climate change,” the statement added.
Tomori noted that Alake emphasised the ministry’s intention to leverage the partnership to attract French investors to Nigeria’s mining sector.
“It also includes the establishment of joint executive and processing projects through co-financing by public and private entities to diversify and secure the supply of critical minerals and decarbonise energy projects critical to the value chain.
“Dr. Alake signed for Nigeria, while the Inter-Ministerial Delegate for Critical Ores and Metals of the Republic of France, Mr Benjamin Gallezot, signed on behalf of France.
“Both nations agreed to adopt international best practices in the execution of projects conceptualised to improve the conditions of the local populace affected by mining whilst placing premium on transparency,” the statement concluded.
