By Martha Agas

The French Republic has pledged to upgrade the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency’s (NGSA) laboratory and provide it with advanced technological equipment.

This commitment followed discussions on the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between France and Nigeria.

The announcement was made at the ongoing Future Minerals Forum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The French delegation was led by Benjamin Gallezot, Inter-ministerial Delegate for Strategic Minerals, while Nigeria’s delegation was led by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake.

A statement on Monday by Alake’s Special Adviser, Kehinde Bamigbetan, revealed that the commitment includes funding geological data exploration for the NGSA.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that on December 1 2024, the Minister announced an MoU with France to promote and diversify the critical minerals value chain in both countries.

Gallezot revealed that his department was screening French companies interested in investing in Nigeria’s mining sector.

The process is designed to ensure that only credible and serious investors are recommended to Nigeria’s Ministry of Solid Minerals Development.

Alake expressed gratitude to Gallezot for his cooperation in facilitating the MoU aimed at strengthening the solid minerals sectors of both nations.

He also dismissed misinformation from political opponents, clarifying that Nigeria was neither relinquishing control of its mineral resources nor entering into a military pact with France.

Alake emphasised that the Future Minerals Forum provides a valuable platform for both countries to deepen collaboration and jointly design programmes to achieve mutual goals.

The Director-General of the NGSA, Prof. Olusegun Ige, stated at the meeting that the lack of advanced technological equipment had delayed the exploration of areas with large mineral deposits.

He further emphasised the need to develop local expertise with international exposure, noting that mining is a global industry that demands continuous training and knowledge transfer. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Gabriel Yough