Nigeria and Turkey have entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening bilateral collaboration in the solid minerals sector.
The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the Istanbul Natural Resources Summit (INRES) in Istanbul, Türkiye.
According to a statement by Lara Owoeye-Wise, special assistant on media to the minister of solid minerals development, the partnership represents a major step towards deepening economic ties between both countries.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Dele Alake, minister of solid minerals development, said Nigeria is prepared to tap into Turkey’s technological expertise in mining exploration, training, digitisation, licensing systems, and capacity building to accelerate sector reforms and growth.
He also said President Bola Tinubu fully supports efforts to strengthen bilateral relations with Turkey in the mining and energy industries.
“Türkiye is one of the countries we are confident of building strong bilateral cooperation with, particularly in the area of solid minerals development,” the minister said.
“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 explained that reforms introduced in the solid minerals sector over the past three years have improved the operating environment and increased its attractiveness to investors.
“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 said.
He added that the reforms have led to increased foreign direct investment inflows, while assuring investors of government commitment to security and lawful mining operations.
The minister further stated that mining marshals established by the federal government have intensified operations against illegal mining 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,” he said.
“In addition, over 100 illegal mining sites have been recovered and returned to legitimate licence holders as part of efforts to restore investor confidence and strengthen lawful operations in the sector.”
On his part, Alparslan Bayraktar, Turkey’s minister of energy and natural resources, described the agreement as strategic and timely, noting that global energy security now requires stronger international cooperation.
Bayraktar praised Nigeria’s reforms in the mining sector and expressed readiness of Turkish companies 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.
He also noted that Turkish companies are interested in expanding into Nigeria beyond mining, particularly in energy and hydrocarbons.
“Nigeria is a major player in the hydrocarbon industry. We would appreciate it if you convey to your President our desire to renew energy cooperation and contracts with Nigeria,” he added.
Bayraktar further said Turkey is expanding its engagement across African markets, with Nigeria seen as a key gateway for wider economic and energy partnerships on the continent.