FG Signs Strategic Mining MoU With Türkiye Amid Sector Reforms

The Federal Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Republic of Türkiye aimed at deepening bilateral cooperation in the solid minerals sector as both countries seek to expand investment, technology transfer and economic collaboration.

The agreement was signed during the Istanbul Natural Resources Summit in Istanbul, with Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, describing the partnership as a major step toward modernising Nigeria’s mining industry.

According to a statement issued by Lara Owoeye-Wise, Special Assistant on Media to the Minister, the partnership will enable Nigeria leverage Türkiye’s expertise in mining exploration, digitisation, licensing systems, technical training and institutional capacity building. Alake said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu strongly supports efforts to strengthen economic and strategic cooperation between both countries, particularly in mining and energy development.

“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,” Alake stated.

The Minister noted that reforms introduced within Nigeria’s mining sector over the past three years had significantly improved the investment climate and attracted more credible investors into the industry. According to him, government policies aimed at sanitising the sector, simplifying business procedures and improving investor confidence were already yielding positive results.

“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 added.

Alake further disclosed that the reforms had triggered increased foreign direct investment inflows into the sector while strengthening security around legitimate mining operations. He revealed that Mining Marshals established by the Federal Government had intensified operations against illegal mining activities nationwide.

According to him, more than 300 illegal mining operators, including foreign nationals, have so far been arrested, while over 150 prosecutions are ongoing across the country.

The minister added that more than 100 illegal mining sites had also been recovered and returned to lawful licence holders in efforts aimed at restoring investor confidence.

Responding, Türkiye’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Alparslan Bayraktar, described the agreement as both strategic and timely.

Bayraktar said the evolving global energy landscape now requires stronger international partnerships and cooperation.

“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 achieve meaningful results,” he said.

The Turkish minister also disclosed that several Turkish companies were interested in expanding into Nigeria beyond mining, particularly within the energy and hydrocarbon sectors. He noted that Türkiye was strategically increasing engagement with African economies, with Nigeria positioned as a key gateway for broader continental partnerships.

Meanwhile, speaking during a panel session titled Energy Security in a Shifting Global Landscape: Connectivity and Cooperation, Alake stressed that lasting global peace remained critical to achieving sustainable energy security.

“Without reducing conflicts around the world, economic imperatives and global energy security efforts will continue to face significant challenges,” he said.