Adedokun Waliyu 
French President, Emmanuel Macron, in a photograph with his Nigerian counterpart, Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, after signing a MoU in Paris.
The Federal Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Republic of France to promote and diversify the critical mineral value chain in the solid minerals sector.
This was disclosed in a statement on Sunday by the Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Segun Tomori.
He said the MoU signing was done by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, on the sidelines of President Bola Tinubu’s visit to France.
“Critical minerals such as copper, lithium, nickel, cobalt, and rare earth elements are essential to clean energy technologies,” the statement read.
“Both countries agreed to collaborate on research, training and Franco-Nigerian students 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 Alake stressed that the ministry would leverage the partnership to open the mining sector to French investors.
“It also includes the establishment of joint execrative 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.
“Dr. Alake signed for Nigeria while the Inter-Ministerial delegate for Critical Ores and Metals of the Republic of France, Mr Benjamin Gallezot, signed on behalf of France.
“Both nations 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 premium on transparency,” he stated.
