By Ayomide Otitoju
The Federal Government and the Republic of Türkiye have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the solid minerals sector, in a move aimed at deepening economic ties between both countries.
The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the Istanbul Natural Resources Summit (INRES) in Istanbul, according to a statement by the Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Lara Owoeye-Wise.
Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, said the country is ready to leverage Türkiye’s technological expertise in mining exploration, training, digitisation, licensing systems, and capacity building to drive reforms in the sector.
He noted that President Bola Tinubu has fully backed efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation with Türkiye in mining and energy development, describing the partnership as a key step toward improving sectoral governance and attracting investment.
Alake, who also chairs the Africa Minerals Strategy Group (AMSG), said recent reforms in Nigeria’s mining sector have improved the business environment and boosted investor confidence, particularly through measures that enhance ease of doing business and strengthen institutional support.
According to him, the Federal Government has introduced incentives that allow investors to repatriate profits after due process, while ongoing reforms continue to attract foreign direct investment into the sector.
He added that government enforcement actions against illegal mining have been intensified through the Mining Marshals, with over 300 arrests recorded, including foreign nationals, and more than 150 prosecutions ongoing. He also said over 100 illegal mining sites have been recovered and returned to licensed operators.
On his part, Türkiye’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Alparslan Bayraktar, described the partnership as strategic and timely, noting that global energy security requires stronger international cooperation.
Bayraktar commended Nigeria’s reforms in the solid minerals sector, expressing confidence in increased Turkish investment in the country across mining, energy, and hydrocarbons.
He also revealed that Turkish companies are exploring broader investment opportunities in Nigeria, adding that the country remains a key gateway for Africa’s expanding energy and industrial partnerships.
Meanwhile, speaking at a panel session titled Energy Security in a Shifting Global Landscape: Connectivity and Cooperation, Alake emphasised that global peace is essential to achieving sustainable energy security.
He warned that persistent conflicts around the world continue to undermine economic stability and energy cooperation, calling for stronger international efforts to promote peace and stability as a foundation for long-term energy security.
