The Nigerian government has refuted allegations claiming it has surrendered mining rights to France, following President Bola Tinubu’s visit to France which resulted in a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at enhancing collaboration in the mining sector. Sunday Dare, the president’s Special Adviser on Media & Public Communication, stated that the MOU focuses on joint efforts in research, training, and sustainable mining practices, denying any loss of sovereignty over Nigeria’s natural resources. Furthermore, he emphasised that the agreement seeks to reduce the environmental impact of mining while promoting economic development and diversifying critical minerals value chains within both countries.

Following Nigeria’s signing of an MOU with France to enhance the mining sector, there were widespread rumours suggesting that this agreement entailed a transfer of control to France. Such claims raised concerns about Nigeria’s sovereignty over its mining rights, prompting a need for clarification from government officials. The MOU is intended to create beneficial partnerships that advance the mining industry without compromising Nigeria’s interests or resources, highlighting the importance of international cooperation in developing critical minerals.

The Nigerian government has made it clear that it has not relinquished its mining rights to France despite the recent MOU. The agreement primarily aims at fostering collaboration in mining practices while maintaining Nigeria’s sovereignty over its resources. Officials have reiterated that the focus is on sustainable practices and enhancing the industry’s economic potential, dispelling any concerns of foreign domination in Nigeria’s mining sector.

Original Source: newscentral.africa

The post Nigeria Refutes Claims of French Takeover in Mining Sector first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.

The Nigerian Presidency has clarified that France is not taking control of Nigeria’s mining sector following President Bola Tinubu’s recent visit to France. During the visit, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed, aiming to foster collaboration on joint projects to expand both nations’ critical mineral value chains. Tinubu’s Special Adviser, Sunday Dare, reassured that Nigeria retains its mining rights and complies with international standards that govern such agreements. “The French are not taking over. Nowhere in the document was it agreed or suggested that Nigeria has signed away mining rights to the French,” Dare stated, refuting widespread misconceptions.

The discussions between Nigeria and France arise from a growing global focus on critical minerals necessary for clean energy technologies, such as lithium and cobalt. The partnership aims to enhance the mineral value chains, reflecting Nigeria’s effort to integrate its solid minerals sector into the global economy. This initiative also aligns with international standards in the mining sector, reinforcing Nigeria’s sovereignty in resource management while attracting foreign investment.

In summary, the Nigerian Presidency has asserted that France will not take over Nigeria’s mining sector following a recent MoU. The agreement focuses on joint development of critical minerals without compromising Nigeria’s rights. The clarifications serve to dispel misinformation regarding French involvement in Nigeria’s mining activities.

Original Source: dailypost.ng

The post Nigeria Clarifies France’s Role in Mining Sector After Tinubu’s Visit first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.

The Nigerian Presidency has dismissed claims that France is taking control of Nigeria’s mining sector following President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to France. During the visit, both nations signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing and diversifying the critical mineral value chains in their solid minerals sectors. Tinubu’s Special Adviser expressed that Nigeria retains full control over its mining rights and is committed to adhering to international standards in its agreements.

The topic revolves around Nigeria’s recent international engagement with France, specifically regarding the solid minerals and mining sectors. Given the growing importance of critical minerals for clean energy technologies, both countries have looked to collaborate. However, speculation arose around potential loss of sovereignty over Nigeria’s mining rights, prompting the need for clarification from the Presidency.

In summary, Nigeria’s partnership with France focuses on joint initiatives in the minerals sector without compromising Nigeria’s sovereignty. The Presidency has assured that no rights have been relinquished and that international norms will guide any agreements. This collaboration aims to enhance both nations’ capabilities in critical minerals essential for sustainable energy.

Original Source: dailypost.ng

The post Nigerian Presidency Dismisses Claims of French Control Over Mining Sector first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.