US firm seeks text of Nigeria-US mining agreement
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Businessday
US firm Von Batten-Montague-York is asking the US State Department for the signed text of the mining agreement with Nigeria and documents about its negotiation. The request aims to clarify the commitments made and protections for communities, while the $700 billion figure refers to Nigeria’s estimated mineral resources, according to Businessday.
The US political advisory firm Von Batten-Montague-York has filed a request under the US Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) seeking from the State Department the signed text of the mining agreement between Nigeria and the United States, as well as documents relating to its negotiation and implementation. The firm announced the move on its verified X account, according to Businessday.
Von Batten-Montague-York wants in particular to know what commitments the two governments made and what safeguards are provided for communities affected by mining activities. The firm says it is responding to demands from the Nigerian public for transparency about the agreement, which has been presented as linked to a mining potential worth $700 billion.
The $700 billion figure is an estimate of Nigeria’s mineral wealth, not a confirmed US investment, according to Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation. The framework covers geological data, exploration, mineral development and processing, infrastructure and the development of technical skills. Solid Minerals Development Minister Dele Alake said Nigeria wanted to increase local processing, create skilled jobs and enable Nigerian companies to capture more value.
