In a significant move aimed at bolstering the mining sector, the Governments of Nigeria and the United States (U.S.) have announced the establishment of a collaborative working group to strategize and facilitate mining development initiatives.
The formation of this joint working group was formalized during a high-level meeting held on the sidelines of the ‘Investing in Africa Indaba’ conference in Cape Town, South Africa. The Nigerian delegation, led by Dele Alake, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, engaged with their U.S. counterparts, headed by Amos Hochstein, Senior Advisor to the U.S. President on Energy and Infrastructure.
According to a statement issued by Segun Tomori, the Special Assistant on Media to Minister Alake, the meeting aimed at fostering stronger collaboration with the U.S. in the mining sector.
This collaborative effort follows a prior visit by the United States Deputy Chief of Mission, David Greene, to Minister Alake’s office in Abuja on February 1st, indicating the growing interest and commitment from the U.S. side.
During discussions in Abuja, the U.S. reaffirmed its dedication to supporting Nigeria in enhancing security measures for mining sites and expressed keen interest in investing in the extraction and processing of Nigeria’s vast mineral resources.
In South Africa, Hochstein reiterated the U.S.’s intention to partner with Nigeria in attracting investments in the mining industry. He outlined various areas of potential collaboration, including infrastructure development, technical assistance, and other investment opportunities aimed at advancing Nigeria’s mining ecosystem.
Furthermore, Hochstein disclosed ongoing collaboration between the U.S. and the Nigerian government to fund clean energy projects, reflecting a broader commitment to sustainable development.
Minister Alake emphasized the longstanding alliance between Nigeria and the U.S., underscoring the significance of this new partnership in strengthening bilateral relations and fostering mutual benefits.
“We are implementing reforms to create a conducive environment in the sector, distinct from past experiences,” Minister Alake stated, reflecting Nigeria’s commitment to revitalizing its mining industry.
He expressed confidence in the joint working group’s ability to expedite information exchange and develop effective strategies for mining development, signaling a promising trajectory for the sector’s growth and prosperity.
The establishment of this collaborative mechanism between Nigeria and the U.S. marks a pivotal step towards harnessing the full potential of Nigeria’s mineral resources and driving sustainable economic development.
Credit: News Agency of Nigeria(NAN)
