Nigeria, US sign minerals MOU to boost local processing and jobs

The Federal Government and the United States signed a memorandum of understanding on the sidelines of the 81st UN General Assembly in New York to develop Nigeria's solid minerals sector. Minister of Solid Minerals Development Dele Alake and US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau sealed the deal at the Nigerian Mission House, with Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu also present.

The framework covers geological data sharing, exploration, mineral development and processing, infrastructure upgrades, and technical capacity building. Alake stressed that Nigeria aims to move beyond exporting raw materials, seeking to create local processing plants, quality jobs, and opportunities for Nigerian businesses, aligning with President Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda for economic diversification.

Landau praised Nigeria as Africa's fastest-growing economy and said the partnership will bring greater prosperity to both nations, building on recent US-Nigeria cooperation under Presidents Trump and Tinubu.

The MOU opens doors for investment in mineral processing, skills training, and supply-chain security for critical minerals. Stakeholders can expect pilot projects in downstream activities, while local firms may benefit from technology transfer and access to international markets.

Will Nigerian entrepreneurs and investors move quickly to set up processing ventures, or will the country continue to rely on raw-material exports despite the new framework?

SOURCE: https://www.channelstv.com/2026/09/24/nigeria-us-sign-mineral-investment-pact/