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Nigeria, Us Sign Mineral Investment Pact

Published

1 week ago

September 24, 2026

Joel Ajayi

Nigeria broke new ground in a drive to woo the United States to invest in the mining sector at a historic agreement-signing ceremony at Nigeria’s Mission House on Wednesday in New York, United States.

In a statement signed On Thursday in New York, United States by the Special Adviser to the Honourable Minister Kehinde Bamigbetan, Nigeria’s Solid Minerals Development Minister Dele Alake and US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau signed and exchanged the agreement, described as a framework for American investment in Nigeria’s $700 billion mineral resources.

The agreement is expected to use the Nigeria-US government relationship as a foundation for business-to-business transactions to boost Nigeria’s value-addition-driven value chain.

Welcoming Landau and the United States delegation to the ceremony, Alake spoke glowingly of the agreement as a development that will shape the future.

His words:”Some agreements manage the present, and some agreements shape the future. The framework we sign today belongs to the second kind…In signing this Framework, Nigeria and the United States affirm a shared conviction: that the supply chains for these critical minerals must be secure, resilient and built on responsible investment.

But let me be clear about Nigeria’s ambition. We are not here to remain a source of raw material for the values that others create. Our goal is to turn potential into lasting value at home through stronger local processing, new skills, quality jobs, and new opportunities for Nigerian businesses.”

According to Alake, the framework opens the way for both countries to cooperate and collaborate on geological data and exploration, mineral development and processing, infrastructure, and technical capacity.

He said the implementation will achieve the economic diversification goals of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and boost industrial growth.

” Now comes the harder and more important work: moving from agreement to implementation. A signature is a promise, results are the proof. In the months ahead, we will identify viable projects, mobilise investments and build the commercial partnerships that deliver measurable benefits to our nations”, the minister said.

Responding, Deputy Secretary of State Landau concurred with Nigeria’s position, adding that as Africa’s fastest-growing economy and most populous country, Nigeria is a regional power that deserves partnership with the United States.

He said the agreement will bring greater prosperity to both countries and that the United States is happy to supportNigeria’s economic growth

“The signal we are sending is that the United States and Nigeria are partners…

Under President Trump and President Tinubu’s leadership, the United States and Nigeria have done many things together in the last one and a half years that we’ve never done before. I think we will like to keep building on that momentum.” Landau said.

Also on the US delegation were Deputy Assistant Secretary for West African Affairs, Rich Michaels; Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for Southern Africa, Foreign Assistance and Critical Minerals, Chris Kulukundis; Senior Policy Advisor to the Deputy Secretary, Wyatt Toehlkeke; and Jitu Sardar.

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Oluwo, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Solid Minerals DevDevelopment, Engr Yusuf Yabo, Director-General, Nigerian Mining Cadastral Office, Engr Simon Nkom, Executive Secretary, Solid Minerals Development Fund, Hajiya Fatima Shinkafi and Chief Executive Officer Nigeria Solid Minerals Company, Martin Imonitie witnessed the event.

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Nigeria at 66: ‘We Must Not Lose Faith in Nigeria’ — FCC Boss Omidiran

Published

7 hours ago

October 1, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Honorable Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, has called on Nigerians to use the occasion of the nation’s 66th Independence Anniversary to renew their faith in Nigeria, strengthen national unity and recommit themselves to building a more inclusive and prosperous country.

In her 66th Independence Day message, Hon. Omidiran described October 1 as more than a celebration of freedom, saying the anniversary provides an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey, acknowledge its progress and challenges, and renew the collective determination to build a nation where every citizen has a sense of belonging.

According to the FCC Executive Chairman, the Federal Character Principle remains particularly important to the quest for national cohesion because equitable representation promotes a sense of ownership and confidence in the Nigerian project.

“Nigeria is a nation of great diversity and
enormous potential. Our responsibility is to ensure that this diversity becomes a bridge that connects us rather than a barrier that separates us. Every Nigerian deserves to feel that he or she belongs to this country and has a role to play in its development,” Omidiran said.

The FCC boss called on government institutions at all levels to remain committed to fairness, equity, accountability and inclusive governance, while urging citizens to support efforts aimed at strengthening national institutions and promoting peaceful coexistence.

“We must not lose faith in Nigeria. The challenges before us are real, but so are the opportunities and the enormous human and natural resources available to us. Every citizen has a responsibility to contribute his or her own quota to building the Nigeria we desire,” she stated.

The FCC Executive Chairman also urged young Nigerians to remain committed to acquiring knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship, innovation, sports and other productive ventures, describing the youth as critical stakeholders in the country’s future.

“As we celebrate 66 years of independence, let us remember that the Nigeria we want cannot be built by government alone. It requires the commitment of all of us – leaders and citizens, young and old, from every part of the federation. Together, we can build a Nigeria where justice, fairness, opportunity and peace are available to all,” she said.

Omidiran reaffirmed the FCC’s commitment to the effective discharge of its constitutional mandate and to supporting efforts that promote equitable representation and inclusive national development across the federation.

The former lawmaker wished Nigerians at home and abroad a peaceful and memorable 66th Independence Anniversary, praying for continued peace, stability, prosperity and progress for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Our differences should never be greater than our common identity as Nigerians. Let us continue to choose unity over division, service over self-interest and hope over despair. The Nigeria of our dreams is possible if we all play our part,” Omidiran said.

“On behalf of the Federal Character Commission, I congratulate all Nigerians on this 66th Independence Anniversary. May this occasion renew our patriotism, strengthen our unity and inspire us to work together for a stronger, more equitable and prosperous Nigeria. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” she added.

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