Nigeria and the Republic of Türkiye on Monday, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation in the solid minerals sector, in a move expected to deepen economic collaboration, attract investment, and improve technical capacity in Nigeria’s mining industry.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, said Nigeria is prepared to leverage Türkiye’s technological advancement and expertise in mining exploration, training, digitization, licensing systems, and capacity building to accelerate reforms in the solid minerals sector.
“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.” he said.
The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the Istanbul Natural Resources Summit in Istanbul, Türkiye, marking another strategic step in both countries’ expanding economic relationship.
Mr Alake, and Türkiye’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Alparslan Bayraktar, led discussions around mining development, technology transfer, energy cooperation, and broader industrial expansion.
Mr Alake also disclosed that President Bola Tinubu has given full backing to efforts aimed at expanding bilateral relations with Türkiye, especially in mining and energy cooperation.
Reforms, FDI and investor confidence
The minister, who also serves as Chairman of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group, said reforms introduced over the past three years have significantly improved Nigeria’s mining investment climate and strengthened investor confidence.
He noted that the Federal Government has focused on sanitising the sector, improving ease of doing business, and creating incentives for long-term investors.
“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.” he said
Mr Alake added that the reforms have already triggered increased Foreign Direct Investment inflows into the sector.
Crackdown on illegal mining operations
Highlighting enforcement efforts, Mr Alake said specially created Mining Marshals have intensified operations against illegal mining across the country to restore order and protect licensed operators.
“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.”
He said the crackdown is part of wider efforts to guarantee security, legal mining operations, and long-term sector stability.
Türkiye signals investment, broader energy expansion
Responding, Türkiye’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Alparslan Bayraktar, described the partnership as strategic and timely, noting that global energy security now depends on stronger international cooperation.
He commended Nigeria’s reforms in the mining sector and said Turkish companies are prepared to invest.
“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 to achieve meaningful results.”
Mr Bayraktar also disclosed that Turkish industrial manufacturers are interested in expanding operations into Nigeria beyond mining, 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.”
He added that Türkiye is expanding economic engagement across Africa, with Nigeria positioned as a major gateway for broader partnerships.
Alake calls for peace to secure global energy future
Speaking during a panel session titled Energy Security in a Shifting Global Landscape: Connectivity and Cooperation, Mr Alake stressed that global peace remains essential for sustainable energy security.
“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.”
He warned that unresolved global conflicts would continue to undermine long-term economic stability and international energy cooperation.
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