ACF Demands Full Disclosure of Nigeria-US Minerals Deal ‎

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has demanded full public disclosure of the minerals agreement between Nigeria and the United States, according to The Cabal's front page on Thursday, 22 October 2026. The full story is on page 3.

What the deal is

Nigeria and the US signed a framework agreement in New York, covering geological data, mineral exploration, development and processing, infrastructure and technical capacity building. Solid Minerals Minister Dele Alake and US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau signed it on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.

The government's case is that Nigeria wants more value from its own resources. Alake said Nigeria "cannot remain a source of raw materials while others capture most of the value," and that the aim is more local processing, quality jobs, stronger skills and more opportunities for Nigerian businesses.

The disclosure demand

The ACF is not the only body asking for more information. ITUC-Africa, the continental trade union body, said public information remains scanty, with no details on projects, financing, mineral volumes, pricing, off-take terms, duration or enforceable beneficiation obligations.

It also noted that the widely reported $700 billion is an estimate of Nigeria's mineral resources, not a US investment commitment. It asked what scrutiny the National Assembly gave the framework before it advanced.

Opposition figure Atiku Abubakar has raised similar questions. He asked whether minerals would have to be processed in Nigeria before export or could be shipped raw, and whether annexes, side letters or implementation agreements exist but remain unpublished.

Why it matters

Critics say the central test is whether the deal brings value-adding industry to Nigeria or repeats the raw-material export model Nigeria has long followed with oil.

Supporters, including the minerals ministry, say it can attract investment to an underdeveloped mining sector and diversify the economy. The ministry said the agreement is expected to use the Nigeria-US government relationship as a foundation for business-to-business transactions.

Washington's interest is also clear: the deal follows its push to diversify supply chains for critical minerals used in electric vehicle batteries and renewable energy.

Mustapha Bature Sallama