Nigeria and the Republic of Türkiye have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen cooperation in the solid minerals sector, marking a new phase in economic and industrial collaboration between both countries.
The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the Istanbul Natural Resources Summit in Türkiye, according to a statement from the Nigerian Federal Government.
Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, said the partnership would allow Nigeria to tap into Türkiye’s expertise in mining exploration, training, digitisation, licensing systems, and broader sector reforms.
He noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has fully supported efforts to strengthen bilateral ties with Türkiye, particularly in mining and energy cooperation. According to him, the agreement aligns with Nigeria’s ongoing reforms aimed at improving governance and attracting long-term investment into the solid minerals sector.
Alake explained that recent policy changes have improved the ease of doing business in the mining industry, strengthened regulatory institutions, and created incentives for foreign investors. He added that the government is working to ensure that investors can operate in a more secure and predictable environment, including the ability to repatriate profits after due process.
He also highlighted enforcement measures targeting illegal mining, stating that Mining Marshals have intensified nationwide operations. According to him, over 300 illegal mining operators—including foreign nationals—have been arrested, more than 150 prosecutions are ongoing, and over 100 illegal mining sites have been recovered and returned to licensed operators.
On the Turkish side, Alparslan Bayraktar described the partnership as timely, stressing the importance of global cooperation in ensuring energy security amid shifting global dynamics.
He commended Nigeria’s reforms in the solid minerals sector and expressed readiness for Turkish companies to invest in mining, energy, and hydrocarbons. Bayraktar also indicated interest in renewing broader energy cooperation agreements with Nigeria, noting that Turkish firms are increasingly expanding their footprint across African markets.
The minister added that Nigeria remains a strategic partner due to its role in Africa’s energy and mineral value chains.
During a panel discussion on energy security, Alake also emphasised that global peace is essential for sustainable energy development, warning that ongoing conflicts continue to undermine international energy stability and economic cooperation.
He called on the international community to prioritise peace-building efforts to ensure long-term energy security and economic resilience.
The agreement is expected to pave the way for increased Turkish investment in Nigeria’s mining sector while supporting Nigeria’s ambition to modernise its solid minerals industry and expand its role in global supply chains.
