***Highlights Over $700bn Investment Potential
The European Union (EU) has expressed strong interest in deepening trade and investment ties with Nigeria through the solid minerals sector, as it looks to diversify its global economic partnerships.
This was disclosed by the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, H.E. Gautier Mignot, during a courtesy visit to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, in Abuja.
Ambassador Mignot lauded the Federal Government’s ongoing reforms in the mining sector and said the EU delegation was in Nigeria to better understand the industry and explore areas of mutual interest.
“We see Nigeria as a key partner in our efforts to strengthen sustainable and strategic trade relations, and the solid minerals sector presents a promising frontier,” the envoy stated.
In his remarks, Dr. Alake welcomed the EU’s interest, assuring that Nigeria is open to strategic collaborations that will unlock the full potential of its vast mineral resources.
“With our longstanding ties and the renewed drive for economic cooperation, now is the time to move from dialogue to implementation. The solid minerals sector holds enormous potential, and we are ready to work with credible investors to actualize it,” Alake said.
He revealed that Nigeria is richly endowed with critical minerals essential to the global energy transition, including lithium, cobalt, and copper—all available in commercially viable quantities.
“Even with limited exploration so far, we’re already looking at mineral deposits valued at over $700 billion
