Nigeria advances mining deals with US and Australia while seeking trade revival with India

Nigeria is advancing multiple strategic international partnerships to bolster its economy and mining sector. On the sidelines of the BRICS summit in New Delhi, Vice President Kashim Shettima met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss reviving bilateral trade toward a previous high of nearly $15 billion. A key focus of the discussions was India’s request for increased purchases of Nigerian crude oil, alongside cooperation in pharmaceuticals, defense, and digital technology.

In the mining sector, Nigeria and the United States are working toward a Memorandum of Understanding to be signed during the United Nations General Assembly. This agreement aims to deepen cooperation across the critical minerals value chain, including geological exploration, processing, and refining to support the global energy transition.

Additionally, Nigeria is expanding its capacity-building partnership with Murdoch University in Australia. The program focuses on providing Nigerian mining professionals with technical training, industry exposure, and practical experience to manage and develop the country’s solid minerals industry effectively.