MoU: Presidency clarifies France’s role in Nigeria’s mining sector
Abdullateef Fowewe
The Federal Government of Nigeria has addressed speculations surrounding the recent memorandum of understanding signed with France.
The Special Adviser to the President Bola Tinubu on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, clarified in a statement that the agreement aims to develop joint projects to promote and diversify the critical minerals value chains in the solid minerals sector for both countries.
Dare stated that Nigeria remains committed to adhering to international standards governing such agreements, noting that the MoU does not involve ceding mining rights to any foreign entity.
He further emphasised that the agreement strictly aligns with global best practices and seeks to enhance Nigeria’s solid minerals sector without compromising its sovereignty or resources.
He wrote, “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, nor does it connote anything against Nigeria’s Economic and Security interest as being maliciously circulated. No.
“Nigeria and France have agreed to develop joint projects to promote and diversify the critical minerals value chain In the solid minerals sector of both countries.
“Critical minerals such as copper, lithium, nickel, cobalt and rare earth elements are essential to clean energy technologies.
“In the Memorandum of Understanding signed by both countries on the sidelines of the official visit to France by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recently, both countries agreed to collaborate on research, training and Franco-Nigerian students exchanges for knowledge and skills transfer.
“A key component of the Memorandum of Understanding is the promotion of sustainable mining activities by executing projects and programmes which reduce the environmental impact of mining on carbon emissions, water consumption and climate change.
“It also includes the establishment of joint extractive and processing projects through co-financing by public and private entities to diversify and secure the supply of critical minerals and decarbonise energy projects critical to the value chain.”
Dailyeconomy on December 2, reported that Nigeria and France have agreed to develop joint projects to promote and diversify the value chain of the critical minerals in the solid minerals sector of both countries.
