The Nigerian Presidency has clarified that France is not taking over the country’s mining sector, contrary to speculation on social media. This reassurance comes after President Bola Tinubu’s recent state visit to France, where Nigeria and France signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to develop joint projects in the solid minerals sector.
Key Components of the MOU
- Collaboration on Research and Training: Both countries agreed to collaborate on research, training, and student exchanges for knowledge and skills transfer.
- Promoting Sustainable Mining: The MOU aims to promote sustainable mining activities, reducing environmental impact on carbon emissions, water consumption, and climate change.
- Joint Extractive and Processing Projects: The agreement includes the establishment of joint extractive and processing projects through co-financing by public and private entities.
- Improving Local Residents’ Conditions: Both countries agreed to effectively execute programs and projects to improve the conditions of local residents affected by mining.
Addressing Speculation
Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, stated that Nigeria did not sign away its mining rights. He emphasized that the MOU is expected to open new opportunities for the remediation of over 2,000 abandoned pits in the country.
