RismadarVoice Reporters, May 27, 2026
The Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Republic of Türkiye have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening mining operations, deepening technical cooperation, and expanding investment opportunities in the solid minerals and energy sectors.
The agreement was signed by Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, and Türkiye’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Alparslan Bayraktar, marking a significant step in bilateral economic relations between both countries.
According to a statement issued by the Special Assistant on Media to the Minister, Lara Owoeye-Wise, the partnership is expected to enhance knowledge sharing, improve mining technologies, and boost sectoral development.
Alake said Nigeria is positioned to benefit from Türkiye’s technological expertise in mining exploration, digitisation, licensing systems, and capacity building.
“Nigeria is ready to leverage Türkiye’s technological advancement and expertise in mining exploration, training, digitisation, licensing systems, and capacity building to accelerate reforms and growth within the sector,” he said.
He added that the Federal Government remains committed to strengthening institutional frameworks and improving governance structures to attract sustainable investment into the mining industry.
The minister further stated that President Bola Tinubu has endorsed efforts to deepen cooperation between Nigeria and Türkiye in the mining and energy sectors.
According to him, ongoing reforms in the solid minerals sector have already improved the ease of doing business and encouraged increased inflows of foreign direct investment.
Alake also disclosed that over 300 illegal mining operators, including foreign nationals, have been arrested, while more than 150 prosecutions are currently ongoing. He added that over 100 illegal mining sites have been recovered and handed back to licensed operators.
On his part, Türkiye’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Alparslan Bayraktar, described the agreement as a strategic partnership that would benefit both countries.
He said Türkiye is ready to invest in Nigeria’s mining and energy sectors, citing ongoing reforms and opportunities in the industry.
“We are ready to invest in Nigeria because of the remarkable initiatives your government has put in place,” he said, adding that global energy security requires stronger international cooperation.
Bayraktar also expressed interest in expanding Türkiye’s involvement in Nigeria’s hydrocarbon sector and strengthening long-term energy collaboration between both nations.
