Strengthening Bilateral Relations: Nigeria and the United States Forge Partnership on Mining Development

In an effort to enhance collaboration in the field of mining development, the governments of Nigeria and the United States have established a joint working group. This decision follows a recent meeting in Abuja between the Nigerian Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, and the Deputy Chief of Mission of the United States, David Greene. Additionally, a Nigerian government delegation, led by Dr. Alake, participated in discussions with a US delegation led by Senior Advisor to the US President on Energy and Infrastructure, Amos Hochstein, during the Investing in Africa Indaba in Cape Town, South Africa.

Hochstein underscored the extensive and varied relationship between the United States and Nigeria and expressed the US’s interest in collaborating with Nigeria to attract investments in the mining sector. He emphasized the necessity of infrastructural development and technical assistance to advance mining operations, along with the importance of industry investment.

In response, the Nigerian Minister welcomed the US’s interest and suggested the establishment of a joint working group to facilitate collaboration and swift exchange of information between the two countries. He also highlighted Nigeria’s dedication to creating an enabling environment within the mining sector.

Additionally, the Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF) Executive Secretary, Fatima Shinkafi, reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to co-invest in mining projects, pointing out the country’s available resources and partnership with the African Finance Corporation (AFC) to generate geo-scientific data for potential investors.

Following these discussions, both nations proceeded to nominate members to serve on the working group, signifying their commitment to commencing deliberations promptly.

The US delegation included Ag. Special Coordinator, Partnership for Global Infrastructure Investments, Helaina Matza; Ribhuti Jain, Regional Managing Director (MD), Development Finance Corporation (DFC); Nisha Biswal, Deputy CEO, DFC; Lyndsey Mewill, Chief of Staff to Amos Hochestein, among others. On the Nigerian side, there were officials from the Mining Cadastral Office (MCO), the Nigeria Geological Survey Agency (NGSA), and the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development (MSMD).

This partnership between Nigeria and the United States in the mining sector represents a noteworthy step towards strengthening bilateral relations and fostering mutual growth and development. The commitment of both countries to collaborate on the development of the mining industry is a positive sign for the future of this crucial sector.