The French government plans to enhance the capabilities of the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) by upgrading its laboratory and equipping it with advanced technology. This initiative follows a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with Nigeria, announced during the Future Minerals Forum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Benjamin Gallezot led the French delegation while Nigeria was represented by Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake.

Moreover, the commitment extends to funding geological data exploration for the NGSA. A statement from Kehinde Bamigbetan, Alake’s Special Adviser, emphasized the initiative’s impact on promoting critical mineral projects in Nigeria. Gallezot indicated that his department is evaluating French companies interested in investing in Nigeria’s mining sector to ensure the credibility of prospective investors.

Minister Alake expressed gratitude for Gallezot’s collaboration in developing the MoU aimed at enhancing the two countries’ solid mineral sectors. Bamigbetan also addressed misconceptions regarding the MoU, clarifying that Nigeria is not conceding control over its mineral resources or forming a military alliance with France. The minerals forum serves as an essential platform for fostering understanding and collaboration between the two nations.

NGSA’s Director-General, Prof. Olusegun Ige, highlighted that the absence of advanced technology has hindered exploration efforts in areas rich in mineral deposits. He stressed the importance of cultivating local expertise through international exposure, noting that mining requires ongoing training and skill transfer to remain competitive globally.

This article discusses France’s commitment to upgrading Nigeria’s geological surveying capabilities through modern technological resources. The agreement, made at an international minerals forum, signifies an effort to strengthen cooperation in the mining sector between Nigeria and France, with an emphasis on sustainable development and value chain enhancement in critical minerals. This move also aims to address the existing challenges within Nigeria’s mining industry.

In conclusion, France’s pledge to upgrade Nigeria’s Geological Survey Agency marks a significant step in enhancing the country’s mining capabilities. The partnership will not only provide advanced technology and funding but will also foster international collaboration and expertise development, essential for tapping Nigeria’s mineral wealth effectively. Addressing public misconceptions highlights the importance of clear communication in international agreements.

Original Source: freedomonline.com.ng

The post France to Enhance Nigeria’s Survey Agency with Advanced Technology first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.

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

The post France Commits to Upgrading Nigeria’s Geological Survey Agency Laboratory first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.