Follow Us on Google
From Charity Nwakaudu, Abuja
The Federal Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Republic of Türkiye to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the solid minerals sector, as both countries seek deeper economic ties and expanded investment opportunities.
The agreement was signed during the Istanbul Natural Resources Summit in Istanbul, with Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, saying the partnership would help Nigeria tap into Türkiye’s technological expertise in mining exploration, digitisation, licensing systems, training and capacity building.
According to a statement issued by Lara Owoeye-Wise, Special Assistant on Media to the minister, Alake said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu fully supports efforts aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation between both countries in mining and energy development.
“Türkiye is one of the countries we are confident of building strong bilateral cooperation with, particularly in the area of solid minerals development. Nigeria is open to working with the Turkish government to strengthen governance structures, improve technical capacity, and advance sustainable mining development in our country,” Alake stated.
The minister noted that reforms introduced in Nigeria’s mining sector over the past three years have improved the business environment and attracted genuine investors into the industry.
He said government had introduced measures to sanitise the sector, improve ease of doing business and create incentives for foreign investors interested in long-term partnerships.
“We have significantly improved the ease of doing business and strengthened institutional support for investors. Investors can now repatriate profits after due process, while government incentives have continued to attract serious mining stakeholders into Nigeria,” he added.
Alake disclosed that the reforms had already triggered increased Foreign Direct Investment inflows into the sector, while also assuring investors of stronger security and protection for lawful mining activities.
He revealed that Mining Marshals set up by the Federal Government had intensified operations against illegal mining across the country.
Other News
According to him, over 300 illegal mining operators, including foreign nationals, have been arrested, while more than 150 prosecutions are ongoing nationwide.
He further disclosed that over 100 illegal mining sites had been recovered and returned to legitimate licence owners in efforts to restore investor confidence.
Responding, Türkiye’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Alparslan Bayraktar, described the partnership as strategic and timely, noting that global energy security now requires stronger international cooperation.
Bayraktar commended Nigeria’s ongoing reforms in the mining sector and expressed the readiness of Turkish companies to invest in the country.
“We are ready to invest in Nigeria because of the remarkable initiatives your government has put in place. We look forward to cooperation, support, and guidance that will enable both countries achieve meaningful results,” he said.
The Turkish minister also disclosed that several Turkish companies were interested in expanding operations into Nigeria beyond mining, especially in the energy and hydrocarbon sectors.
He noted that Türkiye is strategically deepening engagement with African markets, with Nigeria positioned as a major gateway for broader economic partnerships across the continent.
Meanwhile, speaking at a panel session titled “Energy Security in a Shifting Global Landscape: Connectivity and Cooperation,” Alake stressed the importance of global peace in achieving sustainable energy security.
“Without reducing conflicts around the world, economic imperatives and global energy security efforts will continue to face significant challenges,” he said
