By The Federal Government of Nigeria and the Republic of Türkiye have signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at strengthening cooperation in the solid minerals sector, in a move both countries say will deepen economic ties and attract fresh investments into mining and energy development.
According to a statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation and signed by Lara Owoeye-Wise, Special Assistant on Media to the Minister, the agreement was signed during the Istanbul Natural Resources Summit held in Istanbul on 22nd of May, 2026.
Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, described the agreement as a strategic partnership that would allow Nigeria to benefit from Türkiye’s expertise in mining technology, exploration, digitisation and capacity development.
Alake said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains committed to strengthening bilateral relations with Türkiye, particularly in the mining and energy sectors.
“Türkiye is one of the countries we are confident of building strong bilateral cooperation with, particularly in the area of solid minerals development. Nigeria is open to working with the Turkish government to strengthen governance structures, improve technical capacity, and advance sustainable mining development in our country,” he said.
The minister stated that reforms introduced in Nigeria’s mining sector over the past three years have improved the business environment and increased investor confidence.
He noted that the Federal Government had introduced measures to sanitise the sector, improve licensing systems and encourage long-term foreign investment.
“We have significantly improved the ease of doing business and strengthened institutional support for investors. Investors can now repatriate profits after due process, while government incentives have continued to attract serious mining stakeholders into Nigeria,” Alake said.
He added that the reforms had already led to increased Foreign Direct Investment inflows into the sector.
Speaking on efforts to tackle illegal mining, the minister said the Mining Marshals established by the government had intensified enforcement operations across the country.
“As of the latest count, over 300 illegal mining operators, including foreign nationals, have been arrested, while more than 150 prosecutions are currently ongoing. In addition, over 100 illegal mining sites have been recovered and returned to legitimate licence owners,” he stated.
Türkiye’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Alparslan Bayraktar, described the agreement as timely, noting that global energy security requires stronger international partnerships.
Bayraktar commended the Nigerian government for reforms in the solid minerals sector and disclosed that Turkish companies were eager to invest in Nigeria.
“We are ready to invest in Nigeria because of the remarkable initiatives your government has put in place. We look forward to cooperation, support, and guidance that will enable both countries achieve meaningful results,” he said.
The Turkish minister also revealed that several Turkish firms are considering expansion into Nigeria’s energy and hydrocarbon sectors.
“Nigeria is a major player in the hydrocarbon industry. We would appreciate it if you convey to your President our desire to renew energy cooperation and contracts with Nigeria,” Bayraktar added.
During a panel session at the summit, Alake stressed the importance of global peace in achieving sustainable energy security.
“Without reducing conflicts around the world, economic imperatives and global energy security efforts will continue to face significant challenges. The international community must work seriously towards peace if we truly want to guarantee sustainable energy security for the future,” the minister said.
