The Federal Government and the United States have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to deepen cooperation and investment in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.

The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York by Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, and US Deputy Secretary of State, Christopher Landau.

Alake said the framework would support cooperation in geological data and exploration, mineral development and processing, infrastructure and technical capacity, while promoting secure and resilient critical mineral supply chains.

He said Nigeria sought to move beyond exporting raw minerals by expanding local processing, developing skills, creating jobs and increasing opportunities for Nigerian businesses.

Landau described Nigeria and the US as partners and said Washington was prepared to support Nigeria’s economic growth through the expanded cooperation.

The agreement is expected to support investment and value addition across Nigeria’s mineral value chain as the government pursues economic diversification and industrial development.