The Federal Government of Nigeria and France have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at boosting the mining sector and diversifying the value chain of critical minerals. This agreement, signed during President Bola Tinubu’s official visit to France, marks a significant step in strengthening bilateral ties while advancing sustainable mining practices.

Critical minerals such as copper, lithium, nickel, cobalt, and rare earth elements—which are vital for clean energy technologies—are central to this collaboration. The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, signed the MOU on behalf of Nigeria, while Mr. Benjamin Gallezot, France’s Inter-Ministerial Delegate for Critical Ores and Metals, represented France.

According to a statement by Segun Tomori, Special Assistant on Media to the Minister, the agreement emphasizes environmental sustainability, research collaboration, and skills transfer through Franco-Nigerian student exchange programs. A key focus will be addressing the environmental challenges of mining, including the remediation of over 2,000 abandoned pits in Nigeria.

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“A major highlight of the MOU is the execution of projects and programs designed to minimize mining’s environmental impact, including reducing carbon emissions, water consumption, and other climate-related effects,” the statement read.

The deal also includes establishing joint extractive and processing projects funded by both public and private entities. These initiatives are expected to secure a steady supply of critical minerals while supporting decarbonized energy projects. Furthermore, the agreement promotes adherence to international best practices to ensure transparency and improve the conditions of communities affected by mining activities.

The partnership is poised to enhance capacity building through regular training, seminars, and bilateral events, equipping administrators with the skills to better manage the critical metals sector. Dr. Alake emphasized that this collaboration underscores the Tinubu administration’s commitment to positioning Nigeria’s mining sector for global competitiveness. French investors are expected to play a crucial role in unlocking the untapped potential of Nigeria’s solid minerals industry.