*Dele Alake, Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, describes the fresh Memorandum of Understating with the United States Government as a future-driven framework that opens the way for both countries to collaborate on geological data and exploration, mineral development and processing, infrastructure, and technical capacity
Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect
As part of ongoing efforts at boosting the development of the West African country’s solid minerals sector, the Nigerian Government and the United States (US) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), in New York.
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ConsumerConnect reports Dele Alake, Nigeria’s Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals Development (MSMD) and Christopher Landau, US Deputy Secretary of State, inked the new agreement on the sidelines of the ongoing 81st United Nations General Assembly at the Nigerian Mission House, in New York.
MoU is a future-driven framework, says Alake
Speaking during the event, Alake described the agreement as a “future-driven framework” that opens the way for both countries to collaborate on geological data and exploration, mineral development and processing, infrastructure, and technical capacity.
The Minister also noted that the framework affirms a shared conviction for both countries that the supply chains for the critical minerals must be secure, resilient, and built on responsible investment.
He averred: “But let me be clear about Nigeria’s ambition.
“We are not here to remain a source of raw material for the value that others create.
“Our goal is to turn potential into lasting value at home through stronger local processing, new skills, quality jobs, and new opportunities for Nigerian businesses.”
Alake emphasised that the implementation would achieve the economic diversification goals of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and boost industrial growth in Nigeria.
Speaking on the development also, US Deputy Secretary of State Landau expressed strong agreement with Nigeria’s position.
He affirmed that as Africa’s fastest-growing economy and most populous country, Nigeria is a regional power that deserves partnership with the United States.
Landau explained how the agreement would bring greater prosperity to both countries, and that the United States is happy to support Nigeria’s economic growth.
He also stated: “The signal we are sending is that the United States and Nigeria are partners.
“Under President Trump and President Tinubu’s leadership, the United States and Nigeria have done many things together in the last one-and-a-half years that we’ve never done before.”
The Deputy Secretary of State further said: “I think we would like to keep building on that momentum.”
Also, in attendance during the bilateral pact signing between Nigeria and the United States are Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, and other officials at the Nigerian Mission House in the United States.
Present at the event from Nigeria as well the 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.
Likewise, on the United States delegation at the MoU signing ceremony are 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 Advisor to the Deputy Secretary, Wyatt Toehlkeke, and Jitu Sardar.