Federal Government of Nigeria and France have indeed signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on several initiatives aimed at enhancing the critical minerals value chain within their respective solid minerals sectors. Here are some of the key aspects of their agreement:

• Research and Training: Both countries have committed to collaborate on research, training, and student exchanges, specifically focusing on Franco-Nigerian exchanges to facilitate knowledge and skills transfer in the critical minerals sector.
• Sustainable Mining Practices: A significant component of the MOU includes promoting sustainable mining activities. This involves implementing projects and programs that minimize the environmental impact of mining, particularly in terms of reducing carbon emissions, water consumption, and addressing climate change effects.
• Joint Projects: There’s an emphasis on establishing joint extractive and processing projects. These projects will be co-financed by public and private entities, aiming to diversify and secure the supply of critical minerals like copper, lithium, nickel, cobalt, and rare earth elements, which are vital for clean energy technologies.
• Environmental Rehabilitation: The agreement includes plans for environmental rehabilitation, particularly for over 2,000 abandoned pits in Nigeria, through post-mining projects.
• Capacity Building: Through regular bilateral and multilateral training, seminars, and events, the administrative capacity of institutions managing the critical metals sector in both countries will be enhanced to better manage the value chain.
• Attracting Investment: The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, highlighted that this partnership would open up Nigeria’s mining sector to French investors, leveraging France’s expertise and resources to boost the sector’s international competitiveness.

This collaboration is part of a broader strategy to not only diversify and secure critical mineral supplies but also to align with sustainable development goals, ensuring that mining activities contribute positively to both countries’ economies while adhering to high environmental, social, and governance standards.