The Nigerian government has reassured its citizens that France is not taking over the country’s mining and solid minerals sector, despite recent concerns. These worries were sparked by a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed during President Bola Tinubu’s recent visit to France.

The agreement aims to foster cooperation between Nigeria and France in developing and diversifying their critical mineral value chains in the mining industry. Some speculated that this MoU might allow France to take control of Nigeria’s mining operations.

However, Sunday Dare, the Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication to President Tinubu, clarified that Nigeria would follow international standards when implementing the MoU. He assured the public that the country had not given away its mining rights.

The Nigerian government emphasized that the MoU was meant to strengthen both nations’ mineral sectors, with Nigeria’s interests in the industry remaining intact. This reassurance aims to clear any doubts and ensure that the country’s resources are protected while cooperating with international partners.