Nigeria and France have entered into an agreement to jointly develop projects aimed at promoting and diversifying the critical minerals value chain within the solid minerals sectors of both nations.
The collaboration, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent official visit to France, focuses on critical minerals such as copper, lithium, nickel, cobalt, and rare earth elements, which are essential for advancing clean energy technologies.
Under the agreement, both countries will collaborate on research, training, and exchange programs for Franco-Nigerian students to facilitate knowledge and skills transfer. A major emphasis of the partnership is sustainable mining practices, with plans to implement projects that minimize the environmental impacts of mining, including carbon emissions, water usage, and broader climate change effects.
The MOU also outlines the establishment of joint extraction and processing projects through co-financing by public and private entities. These initiatives aim to diversify and secure the supply of critical minerals while supporting decarbonization efforts in energy projects essential to the value chain.
Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Mr. Dele Alake, signed on behalf of the country, while Benjamin Gallezot, Inter-Ministerial Delegate for Critical Ores and Metals, represented France. Both parties committed to adhering to international best practices to enhance the well-being of local communities affected by mining activities and emphasized transparency in project execution.
The partnership is expected to address environmental challenges, including the rehabilitation of over 2,000 abandoned mining pits in Nigeria. Plans are underway to integrate post-mining remediation and environmental restoration as part of the initiative.
Capacity-building efforts will also be prioritized, with regular bilateral and multilateral training sessions, seminars, and events to equip sector administrators with the skills needed to manage the critical minerals value chain effectively.
Describing the agreement as a significant step in repositioning Nigeria’s solid minerals sector for international competitiveness, Mr. Alake highlighted the ministry’s intent to leverage this partnership to attract French investors and further develop the nation’s mining industry.
