BY AKUDORO GLORIA
Nigeria and South Africa have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the advancement of mining development, outlining key areas of cooperation with implementation timelines.
The strategic feat seeks to solidify the partnership fostered through the Nigeria–South Africa Bi-National Commission, recently inaugurated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and President Cyril Ramaphosa.
The MoU signed at the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development in Abuja, encompasses critical areas including Capacity building in geological applications using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), Utilization of Multi- and Hyper-spectral Remote Sensing Technologies for mineral exploration and geological mapping.
The MoU also covers Sharing of geoscientific data on strategic minerals through the Nigeria Geological Survey Agency (NGSA), Training on mineral processing and value addition, Capacity Building on Elemental Fingerprint Technology using LA-ICP-MS, and Exploration of Agro and Energy Minerals In Nigeria.
During the bilateral meeting, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, who hosted South Africa’s Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, H.E. Gwede Mantashe, described the engagement as a significant milestone in deepening bilateral relations, particularly within the vital mining sector.
In a statement issued by Mr. Segun Tomori, Special Assistant to the Minister on Media, Alake recounted the historical ties between the two countries, noting the longstanding diplomatic and economic cooperation built on mutual respect and a shared vision for Africa’s development.
The collaboration in the mining sector, he said offers vast opportunities for industrialization, investment, job creation, economic diversification,
and sustainable growth across the continent.
According to the Minister, the MoU will serve as a cornerstone for facilitating knowledge and technology transfer, investment promotion, capacity building, regional integration, and value addition.
He highlighted Nigeria’s revitalized commitment to developing its mining industry, stating that South Africa could benefit from nation’s vast mineral wealth, while Nigeria could leverage South Africa’s advanced mining expertise.
In his remarks, H.E. Gwede Mantashe affirmed that South Africa—where mining plays a central role in the economy—stands to gain from Nigeria’s revitalized interest in the sector. He added that his visit aimed to fine-tune agreements from the Bi-National Commission and to deepen collaboration on mutually beneficial projects with Nigeria’s Ministry of Solid Minerals Development.
Both ministers committed to sustained engagement and collaboration to boost intra-African trade and deliver on the actionable steps outlined in the MoU. They expressed confidence that this renewed partnership would significantly enhance the mining sectors of both countries.
The MoU signing was attended by the Minister of Steel Development, Shuaibu Audu; Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Mary Ogbe; Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Steel Development, Dr. Chris Isokpunwu; alongside senior officials from both solid minerals and steel development ministries and members of the South African delegation led by H.E. Gwede Mantashe.