During President Bola Tinubu’s recent state visit to France, both nations signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop joint projects aimed at diversifying and promoting critical mineral value chains in the solid minerals sector. However, this MoU sparked rumours online suggesting that France intended to control Nigeria’s mining sector.
In a statement on X, Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, dismissed the claims. He emphasised that Nigeria has not signed away its mining rights and that the agreement aligns with Nigeria’s economic and security interests.
“The French are not taking over. Nowhere in the document does it state or suggest that Nigeria has ceded mining rights to France,” Dare wrote. “The agreement focuses on joint projects to diversify critical minerals such as copper, lithium, nickel, cobalt, and rare earth elements, which are vital for clean energy technologies.”
The MoU outlines collaboration in research, training, and Franco-Nigerian student exchanges to enable knowledge and skills transfer. It also promotes sustainable mining practices to reduce environmental impacts, including carbon emissions and water consumption.
A key feature of the agreement involves establishing co-financed extractive and processing projects to diversify and secure critical mineral supplies while supporting decarbonisation efforts. The MoU also includes plans to improve conditions for communities affected by mining activities through internationally recognised best practices.
The partnership will address environmental rehabilitation by intervening in over 2,000 abandoned mining pits across Nigeria. It will also enhance the capacity of administrators in the critical metals sector through regular training, seminars, and bilateral events.
The Presidency has clarified that France is not taking over Nigeria’s mining sector, solid minerals, or security rights, countering speculations circulating on social media.
During President Bola Tinubu’s recent state visit to France, both nations signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop joint projects aimed at diversifying and promoting critical mineral value chains in the solid minerals sector. However, this MoU sparked rumours online suggesting that France intended to control Nigeria’s mining sector.
In a statement on X, Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, dismissed the claims. He emphasised that Nigeria has not signed away its mining rights and that the agreement aligns with Nigeria’s economic and security interests.
“The French are not taking over. Nowhere in the document does it state or suggest that Nigeria has ceded mining rights to France,” Dare wrote. “The agreement focuses on joint projects to diversify critical minerals such as copper, lithium, nickel, cobalt, and rare earth elements, which are vital for clean energy technologies.”
The MoU outlines collaboration in research, training, and Franco-Nigerian student exchanges to enable knowledge and skills transfer. It also promotes sustainable mining practices to reduce environmental impacts, including carbon emissions and water consumption.
A key feature of the agreement involves establishing co-financed extractive and processing projects to diversify and secure critical mineral supplies while supporting decarbonisation efforts. The MoU also includes plans to improve conditions for communities affected by mining activities through internationally recognised best practices.
The partnership will address environmental rehabilitation by intervening in over 2,000 abandoned mining pits across Nigeria. It will also enhance the capacity of administrators in the critical metals sector through regular training, seminars, and bilateral events.
