The Federal Government of Nigeria has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Republic of France to enhance and diversify the critical mineral value chain in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.

This was disclosed in a statement on Sunday by Segun Tomori, Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake.

The agreement was signed by Minister Dele Alake and France’s Inter-Ministerial Delegate for Critical Ores and Metals, Benjamin Gallezot, during President Bola Tinubu’s visit to France.

“Critical minerals such as copper, lithium, nickel, cobalt, and rare earth elements are essential to clean energy technologies,” the statement noted.

The MoU outlines a framework for collaboration in research, training, and Franco-Nigerian student exchanges to facilitate knowledge and skills transfer. It also emphasizes sustainable mining practices, with projects aimed at reducing environmental impacts such as carbon emissions, water consumption, and climate change effects.

Minister Alake highlighted the ministry’s commitment to leveraging the partnership to attract French investors and promote joint initiatives. These include co-financed projects by public and private entities to diversify the critical minerals supply chain and advance energy decarbonization efforts.

The MoU also prioritizes adopting international best practices in project execution, ensuring transparency, and improving the livelihoods of communities affected by mining activities.

“This partnership represents a significant step toward achieving a sustainable and inclusive solid minerals sector,” Alake stated.