Nigeria, Türkiye Sign Mining Cooperation Deal to Boost Solid Minerals Development

Nigeria and the Türkiye have signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation in the solid minerals sector as both countries move to deepen economic and technical collaboration.

The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the Istanbul Natural Resources Summit held in Istanbul.

Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, said the partnership would enable Nigeria to benefit from Türkiye’s technological expertise and experience in mining exploration, digitisation, licensing systems, training and capacity development.

According to Alake, the Federal Government is committed to accelerating reforms in the mining sector and positioning solid minerals as a major driver of economic diversification.

He noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had given full support to efforts aimed at strengthening bilateral relations with Türkiye, particularly in the mining and energy sectors.

The minister explained that Nigeria was seeking strategic partnerships capable of unlocking the country’s vast mineral resources while improving transparency, efficiency and investment opportunities within the sector.

Responding during the ceremony, Türkiye’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Alparslan Bayraktar, described the agreement as timely and strategic.

Bayraktar said global energy security and sustainable resource development now require stronger international cooperation and connectivity among nations.

He expressed confidence that the partnership between Nigeria and Türkiye would create new opportunities for investment, knowledge exchange and long-term collaboration in the extractive industry.

The agreement is expected to further strengthen diplomatic and economic ties between both countries while supporting Nigeria’s ongoing drive to reform and modernise its solid minerals sector.