The French government has reiterated its commitment to strengthening bilateral ties with Nigeria, particularly in the solid minerals sector.
French Ambassador to Nigeria, Marc Fonbaustier, made this known during a courtesy visit to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, over the weekend.
According to a statement issued by Segun Tomori, FSCA, Special Assistant on Media to the Minister, Fonbaustier emphasized France’s keen interest in investing in Nigeria’s mining sector and supporting the country’s roadmap for solid minerals development.
Dr. Alake, in his response, acknowledged France’s proactive engagement in the sector, describing the European nation as a key stakeholder that has demonstrated “enthusiasm, commitment, and readiness to implement tangible projects.”
He further expressed optimism that the long-standing bilateral relationship between both nations would be further strengthened through actionable initiatives with clear timelines.
The minister also reaffirmed the Nigerian government’s focus on economic diversification, with solid minerals development being a core priority under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
He emphasized the need for continued collaboration with the French government to identify serious investors in the mining sector and finalize partnership areas in line with an earlier signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
The MoU, signed during President Tinubu’s state visit to France last year, outlines joint efforts to promote and diversify the critical minerals value chain.
It focuses on technical assistance, capacity building, and the remediation of abandoned mining sites.
Deputy Head of the Regional Economic Department of the French Embassy, Carole Libreton, reaffirmed France’s readiness to fund projects in the sector and collaborate with the ministry to attract French companies to Nigeria’s mining industry.
The ambassador was accompanied by the Head of the Regional Economic Department, Florent Mangin, and Carole Libreton.
