Newscenter Media News Nigeria and France have signed a Memorandum Of Understanding (MoU) to develop the capacity to manage the mining sector’s value chain.
Consequently, this will lead to the diversification of critical value chains in the solid minerals sectors of both countries.
This will be achieved through regular bilateral and multilateral training, seminars, and events, administrators of institutions in the critical metals sector are expected to improve their capacities to manage the sector’s value chain.
The development was announced in a statement on Sunday by Segun Tomori, special assistant on media to Dele Alake, Minister Of Solid Minerals Development.
According to the statement, the MoU was signed by both countries on the sidelines of President Bola Tinubu’s official visit to France.
The agreement was signed by Alake on behalf of Nigeria while Benjamin Gallezot, inter-ministerial delegate for critical ores and metals of the Republic of France signed on behalf of France.
Tomori said both countries agreed to collaborate on research, training, and Franco-Nigerian student exchanges for knowledge and skills transfer.
“A key component of the MOU is the promotion of sustainable mining activities by executing projects and programmes that reduce the environmental impact of mining on carbon emissions, water consumption, and climate change,” Tomori said.
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“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.”
The media aide said both countries agreed to adopt international best practices in the execution of projects conceptualised to improve the conditions of the local populace affected by mining whilst placing a premium on transparency.
Tomori said the MOU is expected to open new opportunities for the remediation of over 2,000 abandoned pits in the country through its plan to intervene in environmental rehabilitation and post-mining projects.
“Through regular bilateral and multilateral training, seminars, and events, administrators of institutions in the critical metals sector are expected to improve their capacity to manage the sector’s value chain,” he added.
He also said Alake described the deal as a boost to the federal government’s efforts to reposition Nigeria’s solid minerals sector for international competitiveness.
The minister said the ministry would leverage the partnership to open up the mining sector to French investors.
By: Babajide Okeowo
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