Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, has called for parliamentary scrutiny of the reported mineral exploration deal between Nigeria and the United States.

Daily Trust had reported how the deal was signed in New York on Wednesday by Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, and US Deputy Secretary of State, Christopher Landau.

The framework targets cooperation in mineral exploration, development, processing, infrastructure and technical capacity.

In a post on his X on Friday, Sani said details of the agreement should have been made public earlier to allow lawmakers to examine its implications for Nigeria’s national interests and communities hosting mineral resources.

He said the deal should not be used simply to replace Chinese miners or appease any foreign interest.

“The reported signing of a $700 billion mineral exploration deal between Nigeria and the US on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly is a commendable achievement.

“But the details of the deal should have been earlier made public for at least parliamentary scrutiny; that would ensure our national interests and the interests of the host communities are well protected.”

The human rights activist also said security concerns must be considered in the agreement, given the insecurity affecting several communities where valuable minerals are located.

“A Mineral deal is not just an economic issue but also a sovereignty issue that must be treated seriously.”

He said communities hosting deposits of lithium, gold, rare earth minerals and uranium are affected by banditry, making security an important consideration in any mineral agreement.

“The deal should not just be a swap to replace the Chinese miners or appease anyone.

“Taking cognisance of the fact that most of the communities that host these precious minerals like Lithium, Gold, Rare Earth and Uranium are infested by Bandits, security issues must be factored.”

He warned that agreements involving a major power could have long-term implications for Nigeria.

“When you sign a deal with a Superpower, you can’t easily ‘unsign’.

“This is a deal where even the unborn generation are chained to it.” He added. (Daily Trust)