France Signs MoU with Nigeria to Develop its Mineral Sector, But It Raises Exploitation Concern

The Federal Government of Nigeria has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Republic of France, aiming to enhance and diversify the critical mineral value chain in Nigeria’s 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.”

The agreement, signed during President Bola Tinubu’s visit to France, signals a potential shift in the mining industry, as both nations explore opportunities in the extraction and processing of key minerals like copper, lithium, nickel, cobalt, and rare earth elements—resources essential for clean energy technologies.

This development comes amidst growing speculation that France is seeking to replace its reliance on critical minerals sourced from former colonies in the Sahel region, following strained diplomatic ties with those nations. France has historically depended on Burkina Faso, Niger, Chad, and others for mineral extraction, leveraging long-standing colonial relationships.

However, recent geopolitical upheavals have seen these countries cutting ties with France, forcing the European nation to explore alternative sources of critical minerals to sustain its industrial needs and energy transition goals.

The MoU represents a strategic opportunity for France to secure a new mineral field, but it also raises significant concerns in Nigeria. Many Nigerians worry that the country could become a replacement for France’s former colonies, sparking fears of economic dependency and exploitation.

These concerns are rooted in a historical context where resource-rich African nations often fail to benefit equitably from the extraction of their natural resources, leaving behind environmental degradation and economic disparities.

Nigeria, with its abundant yet underexplored reserves of critical minerals, is viewed as a potential game-changer in the global supply chain for clean energy technologies. The partnership outlined in the MoU aims to attract French investment into Nigeria’s solid minerals sector, providing much-needed capital and expertise to develop the industry. It includes provisions for sustainable mining practices, transparency, and the inclusion of local communities in the developmental process.

However, many are concerned that the collaboration could repeat patterns seen in other African nations where foreign partnerships primarily serve the interests of external stakeholders.

The signing of the MoU also highlights Nigeria’s broader economic ambitions. With the Tinubu administration prioritizing the diversification of the economy beyond oil and gas, the solid minerals sector has been identified as a critical area for growth.

Minister of Solid Minerals Development Dele Alake emphasized that the partnership with France would open Nigeria’s mining sector to global investors while leveraging French expertise to enhance local capacity. Provisions for research collaboration, training, and student exchanges aim to facilitate knowledge transfer and empower Nigerian professionals in the field.

“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 decarbonize energy projects critical to the value chain,” the minister said.

Recent shifts in the Sahel region have seen countries like Niger nationalizing their resources, signaling a broader African pushback against foreign control over critical industries. Observers note that France’s pivot to Nigeria could be driven by the need to mitigate the fallout from losing access to its traditional sources of minerals in West Africa.

Alake said both nations have pledged to adopt international best practices in the execution of projects, with a focus on reducing environmental impacts such as carbon emissions and water consumption. Additionally, the partnership seeks to ensure that local communities benefit from mining activities, with mechanisms to improve living conditions and economic opportunities.

However, despite skepticism, many believe that this agreement could position Nigeria as a key player in the global critical minerals market while potentially redefining its relationship with foreign powers. Yet, for this potential to be realized, the government has been urged to ensure that the benefits of the partnership are felt at all levels of society and that the country’s natural wealth is managed in the interests of its people.