Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake says the Nigerian government is positioning the country as a leading solid minerals hub in Africa and a key global partner in minerals essential for transition to green energy.
Speaking during his meeting with Ibrahim Al-Khorayef, the Saudi Arabian Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, ahead of the Future Minerals Forum (FMF) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Alake said that it was the key reason for the current emphasis on the establishment of lithium processing and gold refining facilities across Nigeria.
He explained that Nigeria’s value-addition policy was already producing the desired outcomes as a high-purity gold refinery is now operational in Lagos, while three additional refineries at various stages of development.
Alake also said a $600 million lithium processing plant was ready for inauguration in Nasarawa State in northern Nigeria.
He commended Saudi Arabia for its role in promoting collaboration among countries in Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Europe through the FMF, while expressing Nigeria’s eagerness to deepen its partnership with the Kingdom.
“There are areas where Saudi Arabia excels and others where Nigeria has advantages.
“We are keen to structure agreements that foster meaningful and constructive engagement.
“Key focus areas include capacity building, training of mining professionals, technology transfer, and exploration, where Saudi Arabia has demonstrated expertise,” he added.
Responding, Al-Khorayef said that Saudi Arabia was also interested in longstanding partnership with Nigeria and called for practical and actionable agreements on solid minerals development.
He also suggested a memorandum of understanding between the two countries based on prior engagements.
GIK/APA