The French Republic has stated plans to upgrade the laboratory of the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA), and provide it with advanced technological equipment.
This followed advanced discussions on the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), it recently signed with the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The French government made the commitment to Nigeria on the sidelines of the ongoing Future Minerals Forum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The Inter-ministerial Delegate for Strategic Minerals, Benjamin Gallezot, led the French delegation, while the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, led Nigeria’s delegation
In a statement, by the Special Adviser to Alake, Kehinde Bamigbetan, on Monday in Abuja, the commitment would also include funding the exploration of geological data for the NGSA
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, on Dec. 1, announced an MOU with France to develop joint projects.
The projects include promotion and diversification of the value chain of the critical minerals in the solid minerals sector of both countries.
Bamigbetan noted that Gallezot revealed at the meeting that his department was screening French companies that had applied to invest in Nigeria’s mining sector.
He explained the move was to ensure that only a verified and serious list of investors was submitted to the Ministry of Solid Minerals.
He said Alake at meeting, thanked Gallezot for his cooperation in producing the MOU aimed at developing the solid minerals sector of both countries.
According to him, political opponents, attempted to misinform the public about the MoU by alleging that Nigeria was either relinquishing control over its mineral resources or entering into a military pact with France.
He acknowledged that the minerals forum was providing a platform for the two countries to deepen their understanding by jointly designing programmes to foster collaboration.
Bamigbetan also said the Director-General of the NGSA, Prof. Olusegun Ige, explained at the meeting that the lack of advanced technological equipment had delayed the exploration of areas with large mineral deposit.
He emphasised the need to develop local expertise with international exposure, stating that mining was a global business that required continuous training and skill transfer. (NAN)
