Nigeria has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Türkiye to deepen cooperation in the solid minerals sector, opening the door for increased Turkish investment in Nigeria’s vast untapped mineral resources. Government officials say the agreement is aimed at boosting exploration, mining development, processing, and technical collaboration across the sector, as reported by Türkiye Today.
According to Business Insider Africa, the country’s untapped mineral wealth could be worth as much as $750 billion, spanning resources such as gold, lithium, iron ore, bitumen, limestone, zinc, lead, and rare earth minerals. Analysts say global demand for critical minerals linked to electric vehicles, renewable energy, and advanced manufacturing has increased international interest in African mining opportunities.
The agreement is expected to encourage Turkish companies to participate in mining infrastructure, mineral processing, technology transfer, and investment partnerships within Nigeria. Officials from both countries said the cooperation could also support job creation, industrialisation, and export diversification as Nigeria seeks to reduce dependence on oil revenues.
Industry experts note that Nigeria has intensified efforts to reposition its mining sector as a major pillar of economic growth through reforms, licensing expansion, and foreign investment partnerships. They add that growing collaboration between African economies and emerging global powers such as Türkiye reflects shifting geopolitical and economic competition for access to strategic minerals and industrial markets.
