Strengthening Mining Ties: Nigeria and UK Collaborate on Technical Committee Development
The Federal Government of Nigeria and the United Kingdom have reached an agreement to establish a joint technical working group aimed at boosting the development of critical mineral deposits in Nigeria. This collaborative effort seeks to align partnerships and drive progress in the mining sector.
The foundation for this collaboration was established during a meeting between UK Deputy Prime Minister, Oliver Dowden, and Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake. The UK delegation expressed a keen interest in Nigeria’s Lithium reserves during the Mines and Money Conference in London.
Following this interaction, a team from the British High Commission, led by Deputy High Commissioner Johnny Baxter, paid a courtesy visit to the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development. They reiterated the UK’s commitment to finalizing the specifics of their cooperation with Nigeria, ultimately leading to investment opportunities across the mining sector value chain.
During the visit, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development highlighted the administration’s efforts to enhance the ease of doing business in the mining sector, which includes the introduction of a new security architecture for natural resources and the establishment of a private-sector-led Nigerian Mining Corporation.
Commending Nigeria’s initiatives to diversify its economy, Baxter acknowledged the Minister’s role in raising the profile of the mining sector, an effort that has captured the attention of the international community.
Both parties have affirmed their commitment to establishing a joint technical working group that will pave the way for a formal partnership and promote investments in the mining sector.
Accompanying the British Deputy High Commissioner on the visit were political counselor Tom Burge, Senior Political Adviser Wale Adebajo, and Trade Market Access Lead Simeon Umukoro.
This collaboration between Nigeria and the UK presents significant opportunities for the mining sector and underscores the importance of international partnerships in driving economic growth and development.
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