Nigeria, Türkiye Sign MoU On Solid Minerals Cooperation

Nigeria, Türkiye Sign MoU on Solid Minerals Cooperation

The Federal Government of Nigeria and the Republic of Türkiye have signed a Memorandum of Understanding MoU to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the solid minerals sector, marking a significant step toward deepening economic and industrial collaboration between both countries.The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the Istanbul Natural Resources Summit INRES in Türkiye by Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, and Türkiye’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Alparslan Bayraktar. According to the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, the MoU is aimed at boosting cooperation in mining technology, mineral exploration, digitisation of mining systems, licensing reforms, and capacity building for Nigerian professionals in the sectors.

Minister Dele Alake stated that Nigeria is prepared to leverage Türkiye’s advanced mining expertise to accelerate reforms in the solid minerals industry and attract greater foreign investment. He added that the partnership aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises economic diversification and expansion of the mining sector as a key revenue source. On his part, the Turkish Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Alparslan Bayraktar, described the agreement as strategic and timely, noting that Turkish companies are ready to invest in Nigeria’s mining and energy sectors.

He also expressed interest in expanding broader cooperation beyond mining, including hydrocarbons and energy infrastructure development.

• Improve mining governance and regulatory systems
• Attract foreign direct investment FDI
• Strengthen local capacity and technical skills
• Support sustainable development of Nigeria’s mineral resources
• Enhance technology transfer and joint exploration projects

Officials noted that Nigeria’s ongoing reforms have already improved ease of doing business in the sector and increased investor confidence.Nigeria has recently intensified efforts to diversify its economy away from oil dependency by prioritising solid minerals such as lithium, gold, and other critical resources. The new MoU builds on previous cooperation frameworks between both countries, including earlier agreements focused on mining development and technical collaboration.