Nigeria, Türkiye Sign Mining Pact to Boost Investment, Technology Transfer

The Federal Government of Nigeria and the Republic of Türkiye have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation in the solid minerals sector, in a move expected to deepen economic ties between both countries.

The agreement was signed during the Istanbul Natural Resources Summit (INRES) in Istanbul, Türkiye.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake said the partnership would enable Nigeria to benefit from Türkiye’s expertise in mining exploration, technology, digitisation, licensing systems, and capacity building.

Alake stated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has given full support to efforts aimed at expanding bilateral cooperation with Türkiye in the mining and energy sectors.

According to him, the Federal Government has introduced major reforms in the solid minerals sector over the past three years to improve transparency, attract genuine investors, and enhance ease of doing business.

“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 said.

The minister noted that the reforms have already attracted increased Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into the sector, while also boosting investor confidence through stricter enforcement against illegal mining activities.

He revealed that the Mining Marshals established by the Federal Government have intensified operations across the country, leading to the arrest of more than 300 illegal mining operators, including foreign nationals.

Alake added that over 150 prosecutions are currently ongoing, while more than 100 illegal mining sites have been recovered and returned to legitimate licence owners.

Responding, Türkiye’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Alparslan Bayraktar described the partnership as strategic and timely, especially as global energy security increasingly depends on stronger international cooperation.

Bayraktar commended the Nigerian government for reforms introduced in the solid minerals sector, noting that Turkish companies are eager to invest in Nigeria.

“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 are interested in expanding into Nigeria’s energy and hydrocarbon sectors, describing Nigeria as a critical gateway for broader economic partnerships in Africa.

Meanwhile, during a panel session on global energy security at the summit, Alake stressed the importance of peace and conflict reduction in achieving sustainable energy security worldwide.

“Without reducing conflicts around the world, economic imperatives and global energy security efforts will continue to face significant challenges,” the minister stated.