Nigeria and France have signed an agreement to explore investment in each country’s solid mineral sector.
The Minister of Solid Mineral Development, Dele Alake, disclosed this in a statement. He explained that the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was aimed at promoting and diversifying the critical minerals value chain within the solid minerals sector of both nations.
Alake emphasized that the agreement showed the dedication of the government to promoting sustainable mining activities. He stated that MOU would help to address issues related to carbon emission, water consumption and climate change.
“I am pleased to share that Nigeria and France have reached an agreement to develop joint projects aimed at promoting and diversifying the critical minerals value chain within the solid minerals sector of both our countries. 
“We signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that establishes our commitment to collaborate on research, training, and student exchanges between Franco-Nigerian institutions to facilitate knowledge and skills transfer.
“A significant aspect of this MOU is our dedication to promoting sustainable mining activities. We will implement projects and programs designed to minimize the environmental impact of mining, addressing issues related to carbon emissions, water consumption, and climate change,” Alake said.
The Minister noted that the agreement also provides for the establishment of joint extraction and processing projects in the two nations. While Alake signed for the federal government, Benjamin Gallezot signed for the Republic of France.
“Additionally, the agreement includes plans for establishing joint extraction and processing projects, supported by co-financing from both public and private sectors. This initiative aims to diversify and secure the supply of critical minerals while decarbonizing energy projects that are vital to the value chain.
“I signed the MOU on behalf of Nigeria, while Mr. Benjamin Gallezot, the Inter-Ministerial delegate for Critical Ores and Metals of the Republic of France, signed on behalf of France.
“Together, we have committed to adopting international best practices in the execution of these projects, ensuring that we improve the conditions for local communities affected by mining, with a strong emphasis on transparency,” Alake stated.
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