KEY POINTS

• Nigeria and Türkiye signed an MoU to strengthen cooperation in solid minerals development, mining technology, and investment.
• Dele Alake said ongoing reforms and crackdowns on illegal mining are improving investor confidence in Nigeria’s mining sector.
• Türkiye expressed readiness to expand investments in Nigeria’s mining, energy, and hydrocarbon industries while both countries pledged deeper economic cooperation.

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.

The agreement was signed during the Istanbul Natural Resources Summit (INRES) held in Istanbul, marking a significant step in efforts by both countries to deepen economic and technical collaboration in mining and energy development.

The partnership is expected to enhance cooperation in areas such as mining exploration, technology transfer, investment, training, digitisation, and institutional capacity building within Nigeria’s growing solid minerals industry.

According to the minister, the partnership will support Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen governance structures, modernise licensing systems, improve technical knowledge, and develop sustainable mining operations.

Alake noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has given strong backing to initiatives aimed at expanding cooperation with Türkiye, especially in mining and energy development.

He described Türkiye as one of Nigeria’s strategic international partners capable of contributing significantly to the country’s economic diversification agenda through investment and technical collaboration.

Government Highlights Reforms and Improved Investment Climate

The minister stated that reforms introduced in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector over the past three years have significantly transformed the operating environment and increased investor confidence.

According to him, the Federal Government has implemented measures aimed at sanitising the sector, improving transparency, and making it easier for foreign investors to operate legally and profitably in Nigeria.

Alake explained that investors now enjoy improved institutional support and clearer operational processes, including the ability to repatriate profits after due regulatory procedures.

He added that these reforms have already attracted increased foreign direct investment into the mining sector, positioning solid minerals as a key contributor to Nigeria’s economic growth beyond oil.

As part of efforts to restore order and investor confidence in the sector, the Federal Government said enforcement operations against illegal mining have been intensified nationwide.

Alake revealed that the Mining Marshals established by the government have arrested more than 300 illegal mining operators, including foreign nationals allegedly involved in unlawful extraction activities.

The minister disclosed that over 150 prosecutions are currently ongoing, while more than 100 illegally occupied mining sites have been recovered and returned to legitimate licence holders.

According to him, the crackdown is aimed at protecting lawful investors, strengthening regulation, and ensuring sustainable development within the mining industry.

Responding during the event, Türkiye’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Alparslan Bayraktar, described the partnership with Nigeria as both strategic and timely.

He praised the Nigerian government for reforms already introduced in the solid minerals sector and stated that Turkish companies are ready to invest in Nigeria due to the improving business environment.

Bayraktar noted that several Turkish industrial manufacturers are also interested in expanding operations into Nigeria beyond mining, particularly in the energy and hydrocarbon sectors.

He further called for stronger cooperation between both countries, stressing that Nigeria occupies a strategic position in Africa’s energy and economic landscape.