News Agency of Nigeria
Police detain Chinese miner over illegal operations in Anambra
Defence/Security

Police detain Chinese miner over illegal operations in Anambra

Detention
By Obinna Unaeze

The Police Command in Anambra has detained a suspected Chinese miner over alleged illegal mining activities in Aguleri, Anambra East Local Government Area of the state.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this in a statement in Awka.

According to him, operatives of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Awka, on Aug. 22 received the suspect from officials of the Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra (OCHA Brigade).

“The suspect, identified as Mu Hua Qiang, 45, a resident of Aguleri, was arrested for his alleged involvement in illegal mining operations within the community.

“His statement has been voluntarily obtained, and he has been placed in lawful custody for further investigation,” Ikenga said.

He added that further details on the case would be made public upon conclusion of investigations.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa

FG boosts revenue with mining marshals – Onoja
General News

FG boosts revenue with mining marshals – Onoja

By Naomi Sharang

Mr Attah Onoja, Commander of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals, says revenue from the mining sector rose from N6 billion to over N38 billion within one year of the unit’s establishment.

Onoja said the Mining Marshals, set up to curb illegal mining, had made steady progress in sanitising the sector.

He disclosed this at a media parley and workshop organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, on Wednesday in Abuja.

The workshop was themed “The Fight Against Illegal Mining: Role of the Media”.

He said the efforts of the mining marshals in addressing illegal mining activities across the country have led to a significant increase in revenues accruing from the mining sector.

Onoja, while urging the media to join in the fight against illegal mining, cautioned against biased or compromised reportage.

He added that illegal mining cartels were sponsoring what he called “rogue journalism” to discredit enforcement efforts.

“We will not cave to any blackmail designed to weaken our resolve. Illegal mining cannot be defeated by enforcement agencies alone, and this is why we are calling on the media to be partners in this fight,” Onoja said.

He said that the marshals, an enforcement arm of the NSCDC had dismantled illegal camps, prosecuted offenders, and restored order in volatile mining corridors since their creation under the Tinubu administration.

While admitting challenges such as entrenched interests and inadequate logistics, Onoja insisted the campaign was crucial to national survival.

“Our message is clear: Nigeria’s mineral wealth belongs to all Nigerians, not to be plundered by a few,” he said.

The Commissioner of Police, FCT, Mr Ajao Adewale, revealed that illegal mining has become a powerful cartel-driven enterprise bankrolled by influential Nigerians.

“This is fueling banditry and costing the country an estimated $9 billion (N13.7 trillion) annually.

Adewale described illegal mining as one of Nigeria’s most dangerous national security threats.

“The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) cited that Nigeria loses up to 9 billion dollars (N13.7 Trillion Naira) annually to illegal mining/gold smuggling in Nigeria.

“Illegal mining is not just a mere economic crime; it fuels insecurity, degrades our environment, undermines lawful investment, and robs our nation of vital resources.”

He listed Zamfara, Nasarawa, Kogi, Kaduna, Niger, Kwara, Osun and parts of the FCT as hotspots of illegal mining.

Adewale noted that over 72 suspects had been arrested in Abuja alone between 2023 and 2024 for illegal mining activities.

He stressed that without collaboration between security agencies and the media, the cartels would continue to thrive.

On his part, National President of the Miners Association of Nigeria, Mr Dele Ayanleke, warned that illegal mining was sustained by corruption, poverty and weak governance.

“From child labour in Nasarawa’s lithium fields to mercury poisoning in Zamfara’s gold sites, the costs are severe,” Ayanleke said.

“Illegal mining undermines legitimate investors, destroys communities, and fuels insecurity. Only sustained attention, especially from the media can help dismantle these cartels.”

On her part, the Chairman of NUJ FCT Council, Grace Ike, urged journalists to take the fight beyond ordinary reportage by conducting investigative journalism that exposes financiers, amplifies community voices and pressures policymakers.

“As gatekeepers of truth, we must investigate, expose, and educate the public on the devastating effects of illegal mining,” she said.

Ike assured that the NUJ would continue to champion, amplify the voices of affected communities, ensuring that their stories and struggles are heard nationwide.(NAN)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

2 dead, 3 injured in Ebonyi mining pit collapse
General News

2 dead, 3 injured in Ebonyi mining pit collapse

Mining

By Douglas Okoro

Tragedy struck at Ajirija lead mining site in Ihietutu Community, Ishiagu, Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi, at the weekend, when the pit collapsed, leaving two persons dead and three others critically injured.

The site, reportedly owned by one Henry Ahanaotu, was said to have been parcelled out and sublet to unlicenced petty miners operating without professional supervision.

The affected pit was allegedly being managed by an indigene of Ihietutu, Mrs Lovelyn Victor.

An indigene of the community, who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the condition of anonymity, said that the incident was one in a series of unreported tragedies at the site.

He recalled that a similar incident earlier in the year also claimed two lives and left several others injured, yet no sanctions were imposed on the site owner or the illegal operators.

“Unfortunately, these incidents and deaths only end with the police, if at all.

“There has never been any punishment for the site owners or illegal miners, who put lives at risk,” the source said.

Reacting, Ahanaotu described the incident as unfortunate, but said that he sublet the lease to the operators as a means of empowering youths of the community.

He argued that Victor was an established miner with over four excavators and other heavy equipment.

“Mine pit collapse is a regular occurrence anywhere mining is carried out.

“Even Royal Salt, touted as the biggest mining firm in Nigeria, experiences incidences of pit collapse with attendant deaths.

“The incident happened last weekend but we have yet to visit the scene to inspect and know why it occurred.

“I have also called the Federal Mines Officer to brief him.

“But as for carrying out operations based on safety principles, she does it well.

“She is also in partnership with other operators in the site.

“All we are doing is to help empower the people,” Ahanaotu said.

The Spokesman for the state Police Command, SP Joshua Ukandu, confirmed the incident.

Ukandu said a report from the Ivo Police Division indicated that five persons were involved in the accident, contrary to the six reported by community members.

He said: “Five persons were actually involved in the unfortunate incident.

“The first victim died on the spot, while another died in the hospital.

“The remaining three have been treated and discharged,” Ukandu said.

Meanwhile, the state Chairperson of the Federation of Women Miners, Mrs Sylvia Ogbuinya, has expressed regrets over the tragedy and extended condolences to the bereaved families.

Ogbuinya said that the operator of the affected pit was not a member of the federation and urged a full-scale police investigation into the incident.

“We carry out regular trainings and workshops for our members to bring them up to speed with modern safety standards in mining operations to safeguard lives.

“I have checked, and the affected operator is not a member of the federation.

“We wonder if she adheres to normal safety principles and regular environmental impact assessments to mitigate risks,” Ogbuinya said.

Some indigenes of Ihietutu, who also spoke to NAN on the incident, called on the state and federal mining authorities to check the activities of unlicenced and illegal miners in the area.

“These illegal miners are only concerned with profit and do not comply with regulatory standards, thereby endangering lives and the ecosystem.

“Collapsed pits resulting in deaths have become a regular occurrence in our community, putting families in constant agony.

“We are appealing to relevant authorities to enforce laws against illegal and unlicenced mining in out community,” they said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sam Oditah

Expert urges stakeholders to support reforms in mining sector
Economy/Business

Expert urges stakeholders to support reforms in mining sector

By Emmanuel Oloniruha

Mr Adesola Obisola, an economic expert, has urged stakeholders in the mining industry to support the ongoing reforms being implemented by the Nigeria Mining Cadastre Office (NMCO).

Obisola in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja, said the agency needed the necessary support instead of spreading unfounded allegations against it.

He said that collective effort and trust in government institutions and their leadership were essential in driving the reforms needed for the country’s development, especially in the mining sector.

According to him, by fostering collaboration, transparency, and innovation, the sector is poised to contribute greatly to Nigeria’s economic diversification and sustainable development.

“The ongoing reforms may not yet be perfect, the NMCO is on the right path to transforming the mining sector for the benefit of all Nigerians.

“Support from all quarters including government agencies, private investors, community leaders, and civil society is crucial to consolidating gains made through efforts like the digitalisation of mining licences, capacity building of professionals, and streamlining of regulatory procedures.

“Embracing a cooperative approach can unlock the vast mineral wealth beneath Nigeria’s soil, create jobs, and bolster local economies,” Obisola said.

He said that focusing on constructive engagement rather than divisive rumors would help build a resilient mining sector capable of attracting global partnerships and benefiting the nation at large.

“The future of Nigeria’s mining industry depends not only on technical reforms but also on our collective resolve to uphold integrity, foster innovation, and pursue a shared vision of a prosperous, transparent, and efficient sector,” he added.

On recent reports suggesting that the NMCO was “a threat to national security” amid allegations of corruption and bribery, Obisola described these claims as baseless and unfounded.

He dismissed such rumours as misinformation spread by individuals seeking to tarnish the agency’s reputation for personal gain.

Obisola said that under the leadership of the Director-General, Obadiah Nkom and the supervision of the Minister Dele Alake, the NMCO, was actively implementing reforms to improve the mining sector.

He listed migration of mining licence applications to the electronic Mining Cadastre Plus (eMC+) platform as one of the key initiatives being implemented by the agency.

According to him, the system initially experienced some technical glitches, prompt attention and corrective measures has been deployed.

Obisola said that the platform now delivered enhanced transparency, efficiency, and real-time access to mining licence information.

He also highlighted ongoing capacity-building initiatives and international collaborations aimed at equipping Nigerian mining professionals with world-class skills and expertise.

On concerns about “overlapping titles,” Obisola said that those issues arose mainly from challenges related to the system migration and not from malpractice.

He said it was in the public knowledge that the complaints lodged by stakeholders had been resolved by NMCO.

Obisola explained that obtaining community consent documents were the responsibility of mining applicants, not the office.

On allegations of unofficial charges, Obisola urged accusers to provide evidence to enable proper investigation, arrest, and prosecution.

He noted that certain individuals impersonating NMCO officials had previously been arrested, expressing confidence that the agency would continue maintaining its integrity and transparency. (NAN)

Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams

Marshals seek stakeholders’ collaboration on illegal mining
Defence/Security

Marshals seek stakeholders’ collaboration on illegal mining

By Kelechi Ogunleye

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals have called on state governments and relevant stakeholders to collaborate with the troop to curb illegal mining across the nation.

 

The Mining Marshal Commander, Attah Onoja, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.

 

Onoja said that there was a need for Nigerians to see the drive towards ensuring a sanitised mining sector as a national agenda.

 

“We advise Nigerians, security agencies, civilians, industry players, politicians, traditional rulers, religious leaders amongst others, to understand that it is not an NSCDC, individual, religious or ethnic agenda.

 

“There is also the need for more sensitisation within the security architecture to foster an understanding of national interest because until we all see it that way, we will be having pockets of misunderstanding on the line of duty.

 

“We have, however, always used wisdom and diplomacy to manage the misunderstandings if and when they arise.

 

“It is on that note that patriotism is required of everybody, irrespective of your uniform, state and political party because a good and better Nigeria is a good and better Nigeria for all,” he said.

 

The commander, while urging state governments to actively partner with the mining marshals, said that a few states had acknowledged their efforts through prompt and efficient intelligence information gathering and sharing.

 

“We are, however, beginning to have promises in light of support and partnership from those who are appreciative of the way we work.

 

“What we the mining marshals can assure states is that whatever is committed to our hands today that we are still in office, they can be sure of accountability, proper care as we have a culture to take good care of government property,” Onoja said.

 

He acknowledged that the challenges experienced during operations varied from community to community or state based on peculiarities and characteristics.

 

“Some illegal miners have the attitude of respecting law and order when they see a government agency; they respect them, while some have the instinct of resistance.”

 

He said that the marshal uses both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches in its operations for maximum results.

 

He appreciated the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Solid Mineral Development, Dr Dele Alake, and the NSCDC Commandant-General, Ahmed Audi, for working assiduously in equipping and empowering the marshals.

 

“The minister of Solid Mineral has assured us of logistic support, especially in the area of weaponry, technology and vehicular provisions.

 

“I can assure you that he is really working around the clock to ensure that this comes to pass as quickly as possible so as to ensure the mining sector is sanitised,” said the commander.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

NSCDC uncovers 460 illegal mining sites, arrests 387- Commander
Defence/Security

NSCDC uncovers 460 illegal mining sites, arrests 387- Commander

By Kelechi Ogunleye

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)  has uncovered 460 illegal mining sites and arrested 387 suspects in 14 months.

 

The  NSCDC Mining Marshals, Commander, Attah Onoja, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja.

 

Onoja said that from the successfully identified 460 illegal sites, 99 illegal mining sites had been recovered.

He said that 146 persons had also been charged to court.

 

“The lawful mineral title holders of these recovered sites have taken possession of their sites for lawful mining activity, thereby generating revenue for the Federal Government,” he said.

 

According to him, 25 per cent of the arrested suspects were of foreign nationalities, adding that the law justly takes it course notwithstanding nationality if found guilty.

 

He also said that the squad had adopted 28 ‘clearance operations’ in environments with armed bandits, areas with threats of resistance and intelligence reports about dangerous attacks based on past incidents.

“In carrying out this clearance operation, we ensure to maintain an operational standard that will give you results without necessarily having casualties, either from our own troops or the adversaries,” he said.

 

The commander emphasised that the operations of the mining marshals carefully followed strategic planning through thorough intelligence and surveillance activities.

 

“It is the report of our intelligence and surveillance operation that determines the operational strategy to adopt. We identify illegal mining sites through intelligence and surveillance operation and at times through written petitions by displaced mineral title holders or license holders.

 

“There are some that warrant or demand clearance operation, especially illegal mining sites that are characterised by banditry or terrains that has no form of government presence.

 

“Terrains where you get to and you will not even know the country you are because it is not close to any normal environment; sometimes you access this terrain through motorcycles for hours and such operations do require diplomacy,” he said.

He said that the inauguration of the marshals by the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo and the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, has significantly improved Nigeria’s mining sector.

 

He further attributed the successes of the team in protecting mining sites, communities and reduction in environmental hazards caused by unregulated mining activities to the leadership of the NSCDC Commandant-General, Ahmed Audi.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Illegal mining operations attract jail term, not fines- Mining marshal warns
Defence/Security

Illegal mining operations attract jail term, not fines- Mining marshal warns

By Kelechi Ogunleye

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals have warned illegal mining operators across the country to desist or face imprisonment by a court of law.

The mining marshal Commander, Attah Onoja, said this during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja.

The commander emphasised that illegal mining offences attracted zero fine penalty but rather jail terms at the discretion of a Federal High Court sitting judge.

“You will hardly hear anything like fines in illegal mining offences although judgements and punishment are at the discretion of the court based on the circumstances of the case but I can assure you that the punishment is not palatable.

‘For now we are appealing to those engaging in illegal mining operations because they are citizens that have not been arrested yet.

“However, since they are not under the weight of the law yet, they have the opportunity to change and learn from the experiences of those carrying out similar illegitimate activities and have been arrested by the mining marshals.

“The mining marshals is a non-compromising unit so when you are finally arrested you will face the full wrath of the law and these offences are Federal High Court offences that will keep you in jail for your active period,” he said.

Onoja clarified that the marshals and the NSCDC are not responsible for licence allocation or renewal, rather, the squad are statutory enforcement officers.

He said that there are different types of mining operational license such as: the Exploration licence, Small Scale Mining Lease (SSML) and the Mining licence, adding that, all licences have validity dates.

“Illegal mining is not necessarily the absence of licence, you can have licence and be involved in illegal operations because the earlier mentioned three types of licences have their respective scope.

“For exploration, you are only on a voyage to ascertain what mineral deposit you can get at that site, pick them, analyse in a lab to know the composition and context then check for viability before proceeding to obtain a licence for mining.

“SSML gives you the opportunity to mine but not in commercial quantities as you cannot go seven meters deep but a mining licence allows you to do commercial or industrial mining.

“You can have this three and be operating within their scope but in a different location not assigned to you, that’s illegal mining,” Onoja clarified.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

Lead poisoning: FG orders illegal miners out of Zamfara
Environment

Lead poisoning: FG orders illegal miners out of Zamfara

By Martha Agas

The Federal Government has ordered illegal miners to immediately vacate all mining sites in Zamfara following the confirmation of an outbreak of lead poisoning in Bungudu Local Government Area.

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, gave the warning in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori, on Tuesday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Zamfara, known for its rich gold deposits, first recorded a major lead poisoning epidemic in 2010.

The outbreak was traced to artisanal gold mining activities, which led to environmental contamination and the poisoning of hundreds of residents, particularly children.

Alake said that all mining activities were still on hold until the release of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) that would guide the resumption of exploration in the state.

He expressed concern that the six-year mining ban in the state reversed in December 2024 should have prevented any cases of lead poisoning.

“The outbreak is evidence that traditional and local institutions allowed illegal miners to operate in their areas in flagrant violation of the ban.

“Every citizen should obey the laws and regulations established by constituted authorities.

“Our revered traditional institutions and local authorities, which are funded from the federation accounts, have an even higher responsibility to enforce government directives.

“However, where they demonstrate wilful negligence and abdicate their responsibilities, they perpetrate a state of anomie with dire consequences, as we are witnessing in this case,” he said.

According to him, experts and ministry reports will recommend specific interventions to help the government prevent future calamities.

The minister, however, commended the Zamfara government for deploying emergency services to the affected area, and called for stronger collaboration between the state and the Ministry officials.

“We must work together to kick out illegal miners from all corners to protect the lives of innocent citizens endangered by the desperation of a few individuals to make money at all costs,” he said.

According to him,  the ministry will soon release a comprehensive SOP to guide the resumption of mining activities in Zamfara.

The procedures, he explained, would address cases of existing holders of mining licences and fresh applicants alongside compliance to community development agreements.

He added that other issues the SOP would address include the beneficiation and remediation efforts to overhaul the mining sector in the state.

Alake noted  that the recent approval of the deployment of satellite technology to monitor mining sites nationwide will put an end to illegal mining and other sharp practices in the sector.

NAN recalls that in 2017, an epidemic of lead poisoning resulted in the deaths of more than 300 under-five children in Yar-Galma village of Bukkuyum LGA of the state. (NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

FG seeks donor support to revive steel industry
Economy/Business

FG seeks donor support to revive steel industry

By Martha Agas

The Ministry of Steel Development is seeking technical and financial assistance from donor agencies to revive the Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited (ASCL) and the National Iron Ore Mining Company (NIOMCO).

Its Minister, Prince Shuaibu Audu, made this appeal during a meeting with donor agencies in Abuja.

Audu stated that the ministry’s primary focus was the revitalisation of publicly owned steel assets, particularly ASCL and NIOMCO.

“Our objective is to prepare these institutions for privatisation by upgrading their infrastructure and operational capabilities, transforming them into robust engines of local production.

“This initiative aims to boost domestic steel output, reduce dependence on imports, and generate valuable foreign exchange,” he said.

He emphasised that achieving this goal required technical expertise, financial resources, and strategic guidance.

“These are crucial for bridging the gap between our ambitious vision and the practical realities of implementation.

“Your partnership can accelerate the modernisation of our steel assets, build essential infrastructure, empower our workforce with future-ready skills, and strengthen regulatory frameworks,” he said.

He urged donor agencies to collaborate in creating a sustainable legacy of development, job creation, and industrial innovation for future generations.

According to Audu, supporting the revitalisation of key steel assets and infrastructure, investing in capacity development, and advocating regulatory and trade reforms would contribute to national progress.

He stated that donor commitment would unlock Nigeria’s steel sector’s full potential, reduce reliance on imports, foster local innovation, and position the country as an industrial leader in Africa.

“Together, we can build a future where Nigeria’s steel industry drives economic growth, creates jobs, and anchors our economic diversification,” he said.

The minister described the vision outlined in the 2025 capital budget as ambitious yet necessary, stressing that its success depended on strong partnerships.

He noted that transforming a capital-intensive industry like steel required significant financial resources, but funding gaps remained a major challenge.

“Additionally, achieving these objectives demands institutional reforms that extend beyond government efforts alone,” he said.

He expressed confidence that donor support would pave the way for a thriving steel sector, powering Nigeria’s industrial growth and securing a prosperous future for all.

According to him, Nigeria is on the brink of major industrial progress and hopes that partnerships will help expand the scope of its projects.

He added that the ministry would establish technical teams and appoint desk officers to coordinate with donors for mutual benefit.

Responding, Dr Osuji Otu, Nigeria Country Representative for the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), acknowledged the ministry’s vital role in driving industrialisation.

He stated that UNIDO would soon unveil its 2024–2028 country partnership programme to support the ministry’s initiatives.

Other partners, including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Australian High Commission, assured the ministry of their support in providing technical assistance for its projects. (NAN)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

FG lifts 5-year ban on mining exploration in Zamfara
Economy/Business

FG lifts 5-year ban on mining exploration in Zamfara

By Martha Agas

The Federal Government has lifted the ban on mining exploration and other related activities in Zamfara, after five years.

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake disclosed this at a press briefing on Sunday in Abuja.

Alake said the move was made following significant improvement on the security situation in the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls  that the Federal Government banned all forms of mining activities in Zamfara in 2019, following alarming reports of banditry and its link to illegal mining.

Alake  said that insecurity in the state had been reduced to a manageable level to facilitate the operation of legitimate mining activities.

He said that reversing the ban would support efforts to boost the country’s economic profile, particularly as the state possessed critical minerals in commercial quantities needed for energy transition.

“The nation has a lot to gain from reawakened economic activities in a highly mineralised state like Zamfara that is imbued with vast Gold, Lithium, and Copper belts,” he said.

The minister explained that the ban had created a vacuum, which was exploited by illegal miners to rob the nation of its resources.

“The concomitant result was the colossal loss of revenue to the affected communities, local government, the state and the Federal Government as legitimate owners were forced to shut down operations,” he explained.

According to Alake, President Bola Tinubu is determined to address insecurity in the country by deploying intelligence-gathering and other security operations to neutralise merchants of insecurity

He stated that Tinubu’s strategy had led to the neutralisation of key bandit commanders, thereby significantly reducing incidents of insecurity across the nation.

“ A recent success was the capture of one of the most wanted bandit commanders, Halilu Sububu, in a covert operation in Zamfara.”

According to him,  the government is responsible for  protecting lives and property, and contingency plans have already been made to protect mining operators in Zamfara and other states.

He further explained that the strategies adopted to achieve the feat were increased intelligence gathering by relevant security agencies, who would work alongside the mining operators.

The minister stated that  lifting of the ban would also facilitate better regulation of mining activities in the state.

He added that the host communities would also benefit from the ban lift through the implementation of corporate social responsibility projects by the mining companies.

According  to him,  the move will ensure the country benefits from the state’s rich mineral resources, and the significant contributions of the sector to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product.

In another development, the minister explained the provisions of its Memorandum of Understanding(MOU) with France, on boosting mining in the country.

He reassured that the agreement does not imply Nigeria was relinquishing control over its mineral resources or entering into any military pact with France.

NAN recalls that the minister on Dec. 1,  announced an MOU with France to develop joint projects to promote and diversify the value chain of the critical minerals in the solid minerals sector of both countries.

The partnership is also to open opportunities for the remediation of more than 2,000 abandoned pits in the country through environmental rehabilitation and post-mining projects intervention plans.

“The high point of the MOU is on training and capacity building for our mining professionals.

“We need all the assistance we can get in terms of capacity, technical, and financial support from abroad, and that wasn’t even the first we are signing,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Chioma Ugboma

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