France plans to upgrade the NGSA lab with advanced tech following a MoU with Nigeria. This initiative includes funding geological data exploration and verifies investors for Nigeria’s mining sector. Political misinformation about the MoU was addressed, highlighting the importance of local expertise in mining.
France plans to enhance the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) laboratory by providing advanced technological equipment as part of a recent agreement. This commitment arose from discussions related to a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with Nigeria. The French delegation, led by Inter-ministerial Delegate Benjamin Gallezot, announced this at the Future Minerals Forum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, alongside Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake.
The agreement will also include funding for geological data exploration for the NGSA. Following the MoU announcement, there will be collaborative projects aimed at promoting the value chain of critical minerals in both nations. Gallezot shared that efforts are underway to verify suitable French investors interested in Nigeria’s mining sector to ensure they are credible.
At the meeting, Alake thanked Gallezot for the collaboration towards the MoU, which focuses on developing the solid minerals sector. Allegations from political opponents claiming Nigeria would lose control over its mineral resources were dismissed as misinformation. The Future Minerals Forum served as a platform to enhance cooperation between the two countries in designing joint programmes.
Professor Olusegun Ige, Director-General of NGSA, indicated that the lack of advanced equipment has hindered exploration in mineral-rich areas. He highlighted the importance of enhancing local expertise through international exposure and continuous training, crucial for a global mining business.
France’s commitment to upgrading the NGSA’s laboratory is part of a broader strategy to strengthen ties with Nigeria through the MoU signed in December 2024. This initiative is expected to stimulate the solid minerals sector in both countries by promoting investments and facilitating knowledge transfer. Addressing the technological gap in Nigeria will enhance exploration efforts and ensure the region can better utilise its mineral resources.
The collaboration between France and Nigeria aims to foster development in the solid minerals sector through technological upgrades and joint projects. By verifying French investments and enhancing local expertise, the partnership seeks to optimise Nigeria’s mineral resources management while dispelling misinformation associated with the MoU. This initiative marks a significant step toward strengthening bilateral relations and supporting Nigeria’s mining capabilities.
Original Source: aljazirahnews.com