Nigeria and the European nation inked a Memorandum of Understanding to create cooperative projects to advance and diversify both nations’ vital mineral value chains in the solid minerals sector during Tinubu’s official visit to France.
The MOU sparked online rumors that France intended to acquire Nigeria’s solid minerals and mining industries.
In a statement via X titled “The Facts: Nigeria-France MOU on Critical Minerals,” Sunday Dare, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, asserted that Nigeria had not ceded its mining rights.
According to Dare, the two nations decided to work together to create cooperative initiatives aimed at advancing and broadening the vital minerals value chain in the solid minerals industries of both nations.
Based on the MOU, Nigeria would adhere to international norms, according to the former Minister of Sports and Youth Development.
According to Dare, the MOU’s intention to get involved in post-mining and environmental rehabilitation projects is anticipated to create new avenues for the repair of more than 2,000 abandoned pits across the nation.
“The French are not taking over,” the statement says. The document included no mention of Nigeria ceding its mining rights to the French, nor did it imply anything that would be detrimental to Nigeria’s economic and security interests.
“France and Nigeria have decided to work together to create initiatives that would diversify and advance the vital minerals value chain in both nations’ solid minerals industries. Essential minerals such as copper, lithium, nickel, cobalt and rare earth elements are essential to clean energy technologies.
