FG, UK To Establish Joint Technical Group

In a strategic move to enhance cooperation in the mining sector, the Federal Government and the United Kingdom have decided to establish a joint technical working group.

This is contained in a statement signed by the Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Mr. Segun Tomori, in Abuja.

The statement stresses that the aim is to streamline efforts and foster collaboration for the development of crucial mineral deposits within the country.

According to the statement the collaboration dates back to a meeting between UK Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden and Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, during the Mines and Money Conference in London last year where Dowden expressed the United Kingdom’s keen interest in Nigeria’s Lithium resources.

It adds that discussions from this initial encounter paved the way for further engagement and a delegation from the British High Commission, led by Deputy High Commissioner Johnny Baxter paid a courtesy visit to Dr. Alake in his office to foster the partnership.

The statement reiterates the UK’s commitment to refining the details of collaboration, ultimately leading to investments in various facets of the mining sector value chain.

It says Deputy High Commissioner Baxter commended Nigeria’s efforts to diversify its economy and acknowledged the Minister’s initiatives in bringing global attention to the mining sector. Both parties agreed to establish a joint technical working group to solidify the partnership and encourage investment in the mining industry.

According to the statement, in response Dr. Alake says the Tinubu administration is dedicated to improving the ease of doing business in mining sector emphasizing that the implementation of a new security architecture for natural resources and the establishment of a private-sector-led Nigerian Mining Corporation as crucial steps in achieving this.

The collaborative effort reflects a shared commitment between Nigeria and the United Kingdom to leverage their strengths for the sustainable development of the mining sector, marking a significant step towards fostering international partnerships.

By Georgina Humphrey, Edited By Grace Namiji