Nigeria and the United Kingdom Set to Collaborate on Mining Development
The Federal Government of Nigeria and the United Kingdom have officially agreed to establish a collaborative technical committee focused on developing crucial mineral deposits in Nigeria. This decision was solidified following a meeting between UK Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden and Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, during the Mines and Money Conference in London last year.
In accordance with this development, a delegation from the British High Commission, led by Deputy High Commissioner Johnny Baxter, recently visited the Minister in his office to reiterate the UK’s interest in refining the details of their collaboration with Nigeria, particularly in the area of mining. During the meeting, the Minister highlighted the Tinubu administration’s efforts to improve the ease of doing business in the mining sector and the establishment of a private-sector led Nigerian Mining Corporation as part of the country’s strategy to enhance governance and attract foreign investments.
Furthermore, Baxter commended Nigeria’s commitment to diversify its economy and praised the Minister for his role in raising awareness about the potential of the mining sector, which has garnered international attention. As a result of the productive discussion, both countries have agreed to form a joint technical working group, which will serve as a platform to solidify their partnership and promote investment in Nigeria’s mining industry.
The British delegation, led by the Deputy High Commissioner, also included political counsellor Tom Burge, Senior Political Adviser Wale Adebajo, and Trade Market Access Lead of the UK Department for Business and Trade, Simeon Umukoro.
This collaborative effort between Nigeria and the UK is a significant step towards enhancing the development of the mining sector in Nigeria. The establishment of a joint technical committee underscores the commitment of both nations to work together in addressing the challenges and opportunities within the mining industry. It is expected that the collaboration will lead to the implementation of impactful strategies and initiatives that will contribute to the sustainable growth and revitalisation of Nigeria’s mining sector.
The joint technical working group will play a crucial role in facilitating knowledge exchange, fostering innovation, and promoting investment opportunities in the mining industry. Additionally, the collaboration is poised to create a conducive environment for the sharing of best practices, expertise, and technological advancements between Nigeria and the UK.
As the two countries embark on this collaborative journey, the establishment of the joint technical working group will undoubtedly pave the way for a mutually beneficial partnership, contributing to the shared goal of enhancing the development of the mining sector in Nigeria. This collaboration also represents a significant milestone in fostering international cooperation and strengthening the economic ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
This joint effort underscores the potential for further partnerships between Nigeria and the UK and sets a positive precedent for future collaborations in other sectors as well. Ultimately, the formation of the technical committee signifies the beginning of a promising chapter in the relationship between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, as both nations work towards achieving sustainable development and shared prosperity.
