Former lawmaker, Senator Shehu Sani, has reacted to the newly signed mineral exploration framework between Nigeria and the United States, describing it as a commendable development that nevertheless requires strict transparency and oversight.
The agreement, valued at approximately $700 billion, was signed on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York by Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, and US Deputy Secretary of State, Christopher Landau.
It aims to boost American investment in Nigeria’s critical mineral sector, covering geological data, exploration, processing and infrastructure.
However, raising concerns about the secrecy surrounding its drafting, Sani argued that the framework should have been made public earlier to allow for proper parliamentary scrutiny.
“The details of the deal should have been made public earlier for at least parliamentary scrutiny. That would ensure our national interests and the interests of the host communities are well protected,” Sani stated.
Highlighting potential pitfalls, the former lawmaker cautioned that the agreement should not merely serve as a geopolitical arrangement to replace Chinese miners or appease foreign interests.
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He emphasised that security remains a major challenge, noting that many regions rich in valuable resources, including lithium, gold, rare earth elements and uranium, are heavily affected by banditry.
“A mineral deal is not just an economic issue but also a sovereignty issue that must be treated seriously,” Sani warned, adding that agreements struck with superpowers carry long-term consequences that could bind future generations.
