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The Presidency has debunked rumors circulating on social media that France is taking over Nigeria’s mining sector, including its solid minerals and security rights.
These speculations emerged after President Bola Tinubu’s recent visit to France, during which Nigeria and France signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly promote and diversify the critical minerals value chains in the solid minerals sector of both nations.
In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, clarified that the MoU does not grant France control over Nigeria’s mining rights.
The statement, titled “The Facts: Nigeria-France MOU on Critical Minerals,” emphasized that the agreement centers on collaboration in research, training, and Franco-Nigerian student exchanges to enhance skills and knowledge transfer.
According to Dare, who is also a former Minister of Sports and Youth Development, the MoU adheres to international standards and does not compromise Nigeria’s economic or security interests.
“The French are not taking over. Nowhere in the document does it indicate or imply that Nigeria has ceded its mining rights to France. The agreement is focused on joint initiatives to diversify and strengthen the critical minerals value chain, including resources such as copper, lithium, nickel, cobalt, and rare earth elements essential to clean energy technologies,” he stated.
He further outlined that the agreement supports sustainable mining practices aimed at reducing environmental impacts, such as carbon emissions and water consumption, while addressing climate change concerns.
The partnership also includes co-financing opportunities for joint extractive and processing projects, with public and private entities collaborating to secure critical mineral supplies and decarbonize energy value chains.
Additionally, the MoU highlights commitments to improving the living conditions of communities affected by mining activities. Both countries have pledged to adhere to international best practices to ensure transparency and effective implementation of local development programs.
One notable aspect of the agreement is the potential remediation of over 2,000 abandoned mining pits across Nigeria, with plans for environmental rehabilitation and post-mining initiatives.
Through regular training, seminars, and other capacity-building events, stakeholders in Nigeria’s critical minerals sector are expected to enhance their expertise and better manage the value chain.
