Nigeria, US Plan Mining and Critical Minerals Deal Ahead of UNGA
Nigeria and the United States are working towards a memorandum of understanding on mining and critical minerals, expected to be signed during the UN General Assembly in New York. The proposed deal followed talks between Solid Minerals Minister Dele Alake and the US Embassy’s Chargé d’Affaires in Abuja. The agreement would cover geological exploration, mining, processing, refining and value addition. The Federal Government says it is digitising geological data, clarifying mining regulations and engaging global mining firms to attract investment, create jobs and expand local processing. Gold deposits in Zamfara and lithium deposits in Nasarawa, Kebbi and Taraba were highlighted as examples of Nigeria’s potential. The minister said states can participate through licensed special-purpose vehicles, while pointing to processing and employment growth in Nasarawa. I am concerned that Nigeria could again become a spectator in the extraction of its own resources. Any partnership with foreign investors must protect national interests, ensure transparency, strengthen local ownership and deliver real value, jobs and industrial growth for Nigerians.
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