The Federal Government and the United States have signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at strengthening cooperation and accelerating the development of Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.
The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, and the US Deputy Secretary of State, Christopher Landau, at the Nigerian Mission House.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Alake described the agreement as a forward-looking framework for collaboration in geological data, mineral exploration, development and processing, infrastructure, and technical capacity building.
He said the partnership reflected a shared commitment by both countries to developing secure and resilient critical-mineral supply chains backed by responsible investment.
Alake stressed that Nigeria’s objective was to move beyond the export of raw minerals by increasing local processing, developing technical skills, creating quality jobs and expanding opportunities for Nigerian businesses.
He said the partnership would also support the economic diversification objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and contribute to industrial development.
On his part, Landau welcomed Nigeria’s position and described the country as an important regional power whose economic potential warranted deeper partnership with the United States.
He said the agreement was expected to contribute to greater prosperity for both countries, adding that the US was committed to supporting Nigeria’s economic growth.
“The signal we are sending is that the United States and Nigeria are partners,” Landau said.
He added that the two countries had expanded their cooperation under Presidents Donald Trump and Bola Tinubu, expressing the US government’s intention to sustain the momentum.
Among the Nigerian officials present at the ceremony were Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, Yusuf Yabo; Director-General, Nigerian Mining Cadastral Office, Simon Nkom; Chief Executive Officer, Nigeria Solid Minerals Company, Martin Imonitie; and Executive Secretary, Solid Minerals Development Fund, Fatima Shinkafi.
Members of the US delegation included the Deputy Assistant Secretary for West African Affairs, Rich Michael; Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for Southern Africa, Foreign Assistance and Critical Minerals, Chris Kulukund; Senior Policy Adviser to the Deputy Secretary, Wyatt Toehlkeke; and Jitu Sardar.
