Nigeria and France have strengthened mining sector collaboration through a MoU. The agreement focuses on enhancing geological infrastructure, technology transfer, and sustainable practices. Key officials discussed investment opportunities to accelerate Nigeria’s mining industry, aiming to build capacity and unlock mineral wealth.
Nigeria and France have bolstered their partnership in the mining sector with a recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed last month in Paris. During discussions at the Future Minerals Forum in Riyadh, both countries outlined plans to enhance Nigeria’s geological framework, facilitate technology transfers, and promote sustainable practices in mining.
Dr. Dele Alake, Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, and Benjamin Gallezot, France’s Interministerial Delegate for Strategic Minerals, led their teams in talks to align policies, share expertise, and enhance investment opportunities in Nigeria’s mining landscape.
A statement from Hon. Kehinde Bamigbetan revealed France’s commitment to providing advanced technological support, funding for geological data exploration, and upgrading the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency’s laboratory to meet international standards.
Dr. Alake acknowledged Gallezot’s efforts in advancing the Completion of the MoU during a prior meeting between Nigerian President Bola Tinubu and French President Emmanuel Macron, expressing optimism for tangible outcomes in geological exploration and mining reforms.
Gallezot announced that his department is compiling a list of vetted French firms interested in investment opportunities in Nigeria, which will be sent to Nigeria’s Ministry of Solid Minerals Development shortly.
Christophe Poinssot from France’s BRGM noted that Nigeria would receive dedicated funding to enhance geological capacity in Africa, including upgrading local laboratories and training programs.
Professor Olusegun Ige from the NGSA highlighted the urgency for modern equipment to boost mineral exploration in Nigeria, advocating for international partnerships to facilitate skill and knowledge transfer.
Engineer Simon Nkom, from the Nigerian Mining Cadastral Office, urged for a comparative review of mining regulations between Nigeria and France to identify best practices. He also invited French investors to seize opportunities from the MoU.
Hajiya Fatima Shinkafi from the Nigerian Solid Minerals Development Fund suggested collaborative funding for early exploration initiatives with French banks, noting previous successful partnerships with the Africa Finance Corporation.
The parties agreed to foster collaborative geological exploration and database development, with Gallezot indicating that proposals would be reviewed by the French government before finalising strategies at the upcoming Mining Indaba in Cape Town.
This renewed collaboration between Nigeria and France aims to enhance investments, build capacities, and exploit Nigeria’s mineral wealth, positioning the mining sector as a key player in Nigeria’s economic diversification.
The recent partnership between Nigeria and France aims to enhance the capabilities of Nigeria’s mining sector through a MoU. By attending the Future Minerals Forum, officials from both nations focus on sustainable mining practices, technology transfers, and geological capacity-building initiatives. This collaboration seeks to attract French investment into Nigeria’s resource-rich areas, promoting job creation and economic growth.
The collaboration between Nigeria and France in the mining sector represents a strategic move to enhance geological infrastructure and attract investment. The MoU lays the groundwork for advanced technological support, sustainable practices, and international partnerships that will bolster Nigeria’s mining framework and realise its mineral potential.
Original Source: tribuneonlineng.com