Nigeria, Türkiye ink agreement to strengthen economic cooperation, solid minerals development

*The Nigerian Government emphasises the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of the Republic of Türkiye marks a significant step towards accelerating economic collaboration between both countries

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

The Federal Government of Nigeria and the Government of the Republic of Türkiye have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen bilateral cooperation in the solid minerals sector of the economy.

The Nigerian Government said the development marked a significant step towards accelerating economic collaboration between both countries.

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ConsumerConnect reports both Nigeria and Türkiye signed the bilateral agreement on the sidelines of the Istanbul Natural Resources Summit (INRES), held in Istanbul, Türkiye.

Speaking during the signing ceremony in Istanbul, Dr. Dele Alake, Nigeria’s Honourable Minister for Solid Minerals Development (MSMD), said the West African country is ready to leverage Türkiye’s technological advancement, and expertise in mining exploration.

Alake also noted Nigeria’s desire to tap into the country’s training, digitisation, licensing systems, and capacity building to accelerate reforms and growth within the sector.

The Minister disclosed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has given full backing to efforts at strengthening bilateral relations with Türkiye in the mining and energy sectors of the economy.

Lara Owoeye-Wise, Special Assistant (SA) to the Minister on Media, Monday, May 25, 2026, stated Dr. Alake said: “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.”

The Nigerian Minister for Solid Minerals Development, who is also Chairman of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group (AMSG), stated the reforms introduced in the solid minerals sector over the past three years have transformed the operating environment and made the sector more attractive to genuine investors.

Alake as well emphasised that the Federal Government has implemented far-reaching measures to sanitise the sector, improve Ease of Doing Business (EoDB), and create incentives for foreign investors willing to establish long-term partnerships in Nigeria.

He averred: “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.”

The Minister disclosed that the reforms have already led increased inflows of Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) into the sector.

He equally reassured investors of the Federal Government’s commitment to security and lawful mining operations.

Highlighting ongoing enforcement efforts, he mentioned the specially created Mining Marshals, who have intensified the crackdown on illegal mining activities across the West African country.

He noted: “As of the latest count, over 300 illegal mining operators, including foreign nationals, have been arrested, while more than 150 prosecutions are currently ongoing.

“In addition, over 100 illegal mining sites have been recovered and returned to legitimate licence owners as part of efforts to restore investor confidence and strengthen lawful operations in the sector.”

Speaking at the forum also, Alparslan Bayraktar, Türkiye’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, described his country’s new partnership with Nigeria as strategic and timely.

Bayraktar noted that global energy security now demands stronger international cooperation and connectivity.

The Turkish Minister commended the Nigerian Government for the reforms and initiatives already introduced in the solid minerals sector.

He also stressed that Turkish companies are eager to invest in Nigeria.

Bayraktar further stated: “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.”

The Turkish Minister as well revealed that several industrial manufacturers and companies are interested in expanding operations into Nigeria beyond the mining sector, particularly in energy and hydrocarbons.

“Nigeria is a major player in the hydrocarbon industry.

“We would appreciate it if you convey to your President our desire to renew energy cooperation and contracts with Nigeria,” Bayraktar said.

He also revealed that Türkiye is strategically expanding its engagement with African markets, with Nigeria positioned as a critical gateway for broader economic and energy partnerships across the continent.

Speaking during a panel session titled: “Energy Security in a Shifting Global Landscape: Connectivity and Cooperation”, Alake stressed the urgent need for global peace and conflict reduction as critical conditions for achieving sustainable energy security.

The Minister said: “Without reducing conflicts around the world, economic imperatives and global energy security efforts will continue to face significant challenges.

“Without peace, discussions around energy security become difficult.

“The international community must work seriously towards peace if we truly want to guarantee sustainable energy security for the future.”

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