Shehu Sani Calls for Review of Nigeria-US Mineral Agreement

Shehu Sani, a human rights activist, has demanded that the $700 billion mineral exploration deal signed in New York by Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, and US Deputy Secretary of State, Christopher Landau, undergo scrutiny. The deal aims to enhance cooperation in mineral exploration, development, processing, infrastructure, and technical capacity.

Sani criticized the lack of public disclosure regarding the agreement, stating that it should have been made available for parliamentary examination to protect Nigeria’s national interests and the rights of communities hosting mineral resources. He expressed concerns that the deal should not merely replace Chinese miners or cater to foreign interests.

Sani also highlighted the importance of addressing security issues, as many communities with valuable minerals like lithium, gold, rare earth minerals, and uranium are plagued by banditry. He warned that such agreements with a superpower could have long-term implications for Nigeria, stressing that they must be treated with seriousness.