FG, US Plan Mining Cooperation Deal on Sidelines of UNGA

The Federal Government and the United States are set to deepen cooperation in Nigeria’s mining sector, with both countries planning to sign a Memorandum of Understanding on mining cooperation on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

The proposed agreement followed a meeting between the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, and the United States Embassy’s Chargé d’Affaires, Keith Heffern.

The discussions focused on expanding Nigeria-US cooperation across the critical minerals value chain, including geological exploration, mining, processing, value addition and refining.

The partnership is also expected to support the development of secure and resilient mineral supply chains considered important to the global energy transition.

Alake briefed the US delegation on reforms being implemented in Nigeria’s mining sector, including efforts to digitise geological data and make information on the country’s mineral resources more accessible to investors.

He said the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency had made progress in mapping and cataloguing mineral deposits, describing the digital platform as an important tool for reducing investment risks.

The minister highlighted the geographical spread of Nigeria’s mineral resources, including gold deposits in Zamfara and lithium deposits in Nasarawa, Kebbi and Taraba states.

The discussions also covered the constitutional framework governing mining regulation and the roles of the Federal and state governments.

Alake explained that mineral resources remain under the exclusive legislative jurisdiction of the Federal Government, while states interested in participating in mineral development could establish Special Purpose Vehicles and apply for the necessary licences.

He said several states had already obtained approved licences under the arrangement, helping to provide greater clarity for investors and reduce regulatory tensions.

The minister also disclosed that Nigeria was engaging major international mining companies, including Fortescue, Glencore and BHP, over investment opportunities in the country.

An African Minerals Strategy Group side event is also expected to take place in New York during the UNGA to connect US investors with opportunities across Africa’s mining value chain.

The proposed Nigeria-US MOU is expected to provide a framework for stronger collaboration and investment in Nigeria’s mining and critical minerals sector.

The initiative forms part of the Federal Government’s broader efforts to attract strategic foreign investment, promote local value addition, create jobs and diversify the Nigerian economy through its mineral resources.

Both sides described the latest discussions as productive and reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation in the sector.