By Dennis Okechukwu
Nigeria and the Republic of Türkiye have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation in the solid minerals sector, as both countries seek to deepen economic and energy partnerships.
The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the Istanbul Natural Resources Summit (INRES) held in Istanbul.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, said the partnership would enable Nigeria to benefit from Türkiye’s technological advancement and expertise in mining exploration, digitisation, licensing systems, training, and capacity building.
Alake said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to strengthening bilateral ties with Türkiye, especially in the mining and energy sectors.
“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,” the minister stated.
The minister, who also chairs the Africa Minerals Strategy Group, noted that reforms introduced in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector over the past three years have improved the operating environment and increased investor confidence.
According to him, the Federal Government has implemented measures to sanitise the sector, improve ease of doing business, and create incentives for foreign investors interested in long-term mining partnerships in Nigeria.
Alake added that investors can now repatriate profits after due process, while government-backed reforms have continued to attract serious mining stakeholders into the country.
He disclosed that the reforms have already led to increased foreign direct investment inflows into the sector, while reaffirming the government’s commitment to ensuring security and lawful mining operations nationwide.
Highlighting enforcement measures against illegal mining, the minister said the specially created Mining Marshals have intensified operations across the country.
“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,” he said.
Responding, Türkiye’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Alparslan Bayraktar, described the agreement as strategic and timely, noting that global energy security requires stronger international cooperation.
Bayraktar commended Nigeria’s reforms in the solid minerals sector and said Turkish companies are eager to invest in the country.
“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 revealed that several Turkish industrial manufacturers are interested in expanding into Nigeria beyond mining, particularly in the energy and hydrocarbon sectors.
He further described Nigeria as a critical gateway for Türkiye’s broader economic and energy engagement with African markets.
Meanwhile, during a panel session titled “Energy Security in a Shifting Global Landscape: Connectivity and Cooperation,” Alake stressed the importance of global peace in 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.