By Abigail Philip David
The Presidency has dismissed rumors that France is taking over Nigeria’s mining sector, solid minerals, or security rights. These speculations emerged following the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Nigeria and France during President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to the European nation.
The MOU focuses on developing joint projects to diversify the critical minerals value chains in both countries. However, misinformation on social media claimed that France was set to control Nigeria’s mining industry.
Official Clarification
In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, refuted these claims. He emphasized that the agreement does not involve ceding Nigeria’s mining rights to France or compromising the country’s economic or security interests.
Dare explained that the MOU seeks collaboration in areas such as research, training, and Franco-Nigerian student exchanges to foster knowledge and skills transfer in the solid minerals sector.
Key Aspects of the MOU
According to Dare, the agreement includes:
– Sustainable Mining Practices: The promotion of eco-friendly mining activities to reduce environmental impacts, including carbon emissions and water consumption, while addressing climate change concerns.
– Joint Projects and Investments: Establishing extractive and processing projects co-financed by public and private entities to secure the supply of critical minerals such as copper, lithium, nickel, cobalt, and rare earth elements essential to clean energy technologies.
– Community Development: Initiatives to improve the living conditions of local communities affected by mining activities, adhering to international best practices and ensuring transparency.
– Environmental Rehabilitation: Plans to remediate over 2,000 abandoned mining pits across Nigeria and execute post-mining rehabilitation projects.
– Capacity Building: Bilateral and multilateral training sessions, seminars, and events to enhance the skills of administrators in managing the critical metals sector.
Addressing Speculations
Dare reiterated that the MOU is based on international global standards and represents an opportunity for Nigeria to align with sustainable mining practices while leveraging its natural resources for economic growth.
“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. This agreement aligns with Nigeria’s economic and security interests,” he stated.
The Presidency assured Nigerians that the collaboration with France aims to strengthen the mining sector, promote transparency, and create opportunities for sustainable development.
