France has pledged funding for the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) to enhance geological data exploration. This commitment was announced by Kehinde Bamigbetan, special adviser to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake. The funding aligns with the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by both nations in December 2024, during President Bola Tinubu’s visit to Paris to boost solid minerals sector collaboration.

During a recent meeting in Riyadh, held at the Future Minerals Forum, Alake and Benjamin Gallezot from France’s strategic minerals delegation discussed advancing the MoU’s implementation. They agreed to exchange information on mining laws, aiming to compare regulations and combat illegal mining. Alake acknowledged Gallezot’s efforts to create the MoU amidst time constraints, responding to public misconceptions about its goals.

A key aspect of the meeting was Gallezot’s assurance of reviewing French companies interested in investing in Nigerian mining. The list of credible investors will be shared with Nigeria’s Ministry of Solid Minerals Development. Joint exploration efforts for specific minerals were also proposed to develop a comprehensive geological database.

Bamigbetan highlighted the need for geological advancements in Nigeria, with Olusegun Ige, NGSA’s director-general, stressing the importance of upgrading laboratories to modern standards for accurate rock analysis. Emphasis was placed on training and skill enhancement for local expertise in the mining sector.

Simon Nkom from the Nigerian Mining Cadastral Office urged the comparison of mining laws between Nigeria and France to aid law reviews. Fatima Shinkafi from the Nigerian Solid Minerals Development Fund called for shared funding for exploration initiatives, leveraging past collaborations to support entrepreneurs in mining.

Christophe Poinssot from the French Geological Agency affirmed Nigeria’s inclusion in a funding programme aimed at supporting African geologists. He confirmed that Nigeria would receive laboratory upgrades to comply with international standards. Both nations plan to evaluate their collaborative programme at the upcoming annual Indaba in Cape Town next month.

The collaboration between France and Nigeria focuses on enhancing the geological data exploration capabilities of Nigeria’s mining sector. The initiative aims to diversify value chains in the solid minerals sector and addresses the need for advanced technology and training in Nigeria. The agreement fosters exchange on mining laws and promotes investment from French companies, aiming for sustainable mining practices and the development of local expertise.

France’s funding commitment to the NGSA underscores a strategic partnership aimed at improving Nigeria’s mining capabilities. The initiatives discussed during the Future Minerals Forum highlight cooperation in exploring minerals, enhancing local geological practices, and fostering investment opportunities. This collaboration is intended to address current challenges in the Nigerian mining sector and promote sustainable practices.

Original Source: www.nigerianeye.com

The post France Pledges Funding for Nigeria’s Geological Exploration Efforts first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.

France has pledged to finance the geological data exploration of Nigeria’s Geological Survey Agency (NGSA). Kehinde Bamigbetan, a special adviser to the minister of solid minerals development, announced this commitment as part of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed in December 2024. This agreement aims to enhance mining activities in both countries.

On December 1, 2024, Nigeria and France formalised their collaboration on diversifying solid minerals through an MOU during President Bola Tinubu’s visit to Paris. The signing was instrumental in establishing a framework for the two nations to collaborate on mining initiatives.

During discussions at the Future Minerals Forum in Riyadh, Nigeria’s Minister Alake and France’s Benjamin Gallezot addressed the MOU’s progression and shared insights on mining regulations and illegal mining practices in both countries. Additionally, they reported on strategies to eliminate misinformation regarding the MOU’s objectives.

Gallezot highlighted that his department is evaluating interested French companies for investment opportunities in Nigeria’s mining sector. He informed the Nigerian ministry that discussions from the meeting will be escalated through various governmental channels for further action.

The meeting covered crucial topics including sustainable and artisanal mining, geological exploration, and necessary training. Olusegun Ige, DG of NGSA, emphasised the urgent need for improved technology and laboratory upgrades for optimal mineral analysis.

Simon Nkom, DG of the Nigerian mining cadastral office, called for harmonisation of mining laws between both nations, which he suggested might streamline Nigeria’s legal framework. Fatima Shinkafi, from the Nigerian Solid Minerals Development Fund, advocated for joint funding of preliminary exploration projects with French financial institutions.

The commitment of France to fund the geological exploration in Nigeria illustrates a strengthening bilateral relationship focused on sustainable mining practices and improved resource management. The MOU signed in December 2024 aims to diversify and enhance the solid minerals sectors in both countries, reflecting ongoing collaborative efforts within the framework established during President Bola Tinubu’s official visit to France.

France’s funding commitment marks a significant step in enhancing Nigeria’s geological capabilities, with the two nations actively engaging to advance mining regulations and investment opportunities. Collaborative efforts aimed at developing Nigeria’s mining sector promise to foster growth, technological advancement, and improved mining practices. The partnership will also bolster Nigeria’s capacity for geological research and analysis, enhancing its global standing in the minerals market.

Original Source: www.thecable.ng

The post France Commits to Fund Nigeria’s Geological Data Exploration first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.