Nigeria and Turkey have signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at expanding cooperation in the solid minerals sector during the Istanbul Summit on Natural Resources held in Istanbul.
The agreement is expected to deepen economic ties between both countries through collaboration in mineral exploration, digitization, technical training, permitting systems and sustainable mining development.
Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, said the partnership would help Nigeria benefit from Turkey’s technological expertise as the country continues reforms designed to modernize and attract investment into the mining sector.
According to Alake, the administration of Bola Tinubu has introduced reforms over the past three years that have improved the business environment and increased investor confidence in Nigeria’s mining industry.
He noted that authorities have simplified administrative procedures, strengthened institutional support and intensified the crackdown on illegal mining, leading to hundreds of arrests and ongoing prosecutions.
Turkish Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Alparslan Bayraktar, described the agreement as strategic, adding that Turkish companies are eager to expand investments in Nigeria, not only in mining but also in the energy and hydrocarbon sectors.
He emphasized that Ankara sees Nigeria as a key gateway for broader economic and energy partnerships across Africa.
