The Nigerian Presidency has firmly dismissed circulating claims suggesting that France is taking over the country’s mining sector, solid minerals, or security operations. The rebuttal comes amidst growing speculations that foreign interests might be dominating critical sectors of Nigeria’s economy.
Clarification from the Presidency
In a statement released on December 5, 2024, the Presidency assured Nigerians that the nation’s sovereignty and resources remain fully under its control.
“France is not taking over Nigeria’s mining sector, solid minerals, or security rights. These speculations are baseless and do not reflect the reality of Nigeria’s strategic partnerships,” the statement read.
Concerns Over Foreign Influence
Rumors of a potential French takeover had sparked public discourse, with some citizens expressing concerns about external influence on Nigeria’s critical sectors. These concerns were further fueled by ongoing collaborations between Nigeria and France in mining and infrastructure development.
However, the Presidency emphasized that such partnerships are guided by national interest and aim to boost Nigeria’s economic growth and development.
Focus on Transparency
The government reiterated its commitment to maintaining transparency in all international collaborations. It also highlighted recent policy reforms aimed at protecting Nigeria’s resources, including the strategic development of the solid minerals sector to benefit local industries and communities.
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Public Assurance
The Presidency’s statement has been welcomed by some quarters as a step toward quelling fears of undue foreign interference. However, critics have urged the government to provide further details about its agreements with France to foster public trust.
This clarification is expected to ease tensions and refocus attention on strengthening Nigeria’s mining and security frameworks in the face of increasing global interest.
