- It also includes co-financed extractive projects, research collaborations, and Franco-Nigerian student exchanges to boost skills transfer
Nigeria and France have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on projects in the solid minerals sector, focusing on critical minerals like copper, lithium, and cobalt essential for clean energy technologies.
The agreement, signed during President Bola Tinubu’s visit to France, aims to promote sustainable mining, reduce environmental impact, and diversify mineral supply chains. It also includes co-financed extractive projects, research collaborations, and Franco-Nigerian student exchanges to boost skills transfer.
Dr Dele Alake, Nigeria’s Minister for Solid Minerals Development, signed on behalf of Nigeria, while Mr Benjamin Gallezot represented France. Both countries pledged to adhere to international best practices, prioritising transparency and improving the livelihoods of communities affected by mining.
The deal comes as Nigeria seeks to reposition its solid minerals sector for global competitiveness, with opportunities for French investors and remediation of over 2,000 abandoned mining pits across the country.