NIGERIA and South Africa have formalised a strategic agreement aimed at strengthening mining sector cooperation, a move that signals Abuja’s push to reduce its dependence on oil revenues by unlocking the country’s vast mineral wealth.
Speaking on Thursday, Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, announced that the two countries will collaborate on geological mapping, mineral data sharing, and joint exploration of agro and energy minerals within Nigeria. The deal was signed during a bilateral engagement held in Abuja.
‘This partnership with South Africa is a milestone for Nigeria’s mining ambitions,’ Alake said, as reported by Reuters. ‘We are tapping into their technical expertise to fast-track the development of our underutilised mineral sector.’
Geological tech and exploration on the agenda
Under the terms of the accord, the two nations will deploy cutting-edge technologies such as drone-assisted geological surveys to conduct detailed mapping of Nigeria’s mineral-rich terrain. Both governments have also agreed to exchange geological data and foster technical knowledge transfer to build local capacity.
The partnership will initially focus on identifying and developing agro and energy minerals — essential for industrial growth and clean energy transitions — in regions that have seen little commercial exploitation.
South Africa, with its long-established mining infrastructure and deep experience in resource extraction, is expected to play a central role in helping Nigeria scale up exploration and sustainable mineral development.
Diversifying Nigeria’s resource economy
Despite being endowed with over 23 commercially viable mineral deposits — including lithium, gold, limestone, iron ore, and zinc — Nigeria’s mining sector has historically contributed less than 1 percent to the country’s GDP. That figure contrasts sharply with South Africa, where mining remains a cornerstone of economic output.
Alake emphasised that the new alliance forms part of Nigeria’s broader strategy to diversify its economy away from fossil fuels and revitalise the long-neglected mining sector. By drawing from South Africa’s deep mining expertise, Nigeria hopes to reduce investment risks, attract foreign capital, and scale industrial mining operations.
‘This is about creating jobs, building infrastructure and ensuring long-term sustainability in our extractives sector,’ Alake told Reuters.
Mining renaissance amid global demand
Nigeria’s move comes amid a global scramble for critical minerals, especially those needed for electric vehicle batteries and renewable energy storage — sectors that depend heavily on lithium and other rare earths. The government has already signalled its ambition to become a regional hub for lithium production and battery manufacturing.
As international investors eye emerging resource frontiers, partnerships like this are seen as key to unlocking Nigeria’s potential and positioning the country as a competitive player in the global minerals market.
Both nations are expected to follow up the agreement with technical delegations and project-specific task forces in the coming months.
