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Summary
Nigeria and France have partnered to enhance the value chain of critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, and nickel. The agreement emphasises sustainable mining, environmental restoration, and knowledge exchange, marking a pivotal step in revitalising Nigeria’s solid minerals sector and attracting French investment.
Nigeria and France have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop joint projects aimed at diversifying and strengthening the value chain of critical minerals in the solid minerals sector of both countries.
The agreement, announced on Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, in Abuja, focuses on essential minerals like copper, lithium, nickel, cobalt, and rare earth elements, which are critical for clean energy technologies. Segun Tomori, Special Assistant on Media to Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr Dele Alake, signed the statement.
The MoU, signed during President Bola Tinubu’s official visit to France last week, outlines a collaboration between the two nations on research, training, and student exchange programs to facilitate knowledge and skills transfer in the mining sector.
A significant component of the agreement is the promotion of sustainable mining practices. Both countries aim to reduce the environmental impact of mining activities by executing projects that lower carbon emissions, minimise water consumption, and address climate change.
Additionally, the partnership will establish joint extractive and processing projects co-financed by public and private entities to secure critical mineral supplies and support energy decarbonisation efforts. The MoU also emphasises adopting international best practices to enhance the conditions of local communities affected by mining activities while prioritising transparency.
Speaking on the state visit to France in an interview with “Eye on Africa,” the honourable Minister for Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, stated that the state visit was not just a talk show as it was very successful.
“There were several MoUs signed. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu made known the nation’s priorities in different sectors, including the mineral sector and then liaised with France to see what they had to offer.”
The agreement was signed by Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr Dele Alake, and France’s Inter-Ministerial Delegate for Critical Ores and Metals, Mr Benjamin Gallezot.
“This partnership will create opportunities to rehabilitate over 2,000 abandoned mining pits in Nigeria through environmental restoration and post-mining projects,” the statement noted. The MoU is also expected to strengthen institutional capacity in the critical minerals sector through regular bilateral training sessions, seminars, and events.
Dele described the deal as a significant step toward repositioning Nigeria’s solid minerals sector for international competitiveness. He added that the partnership would open the mining sector to increased investment from France, helping Nigeria to harness its untapped mineral resources effectively.
