The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has expressed concern over the recent agreement with the United States (US) government for the exploration of critical mineral resources in Nigeria.

The Northern socio-cultural group said in a statement on Wednesday, that the federal government refused to disclose details of the deal showed that it has been concealed in secrecy out of the purview of the citizens, and this action raised serious concern.

The statement signed by the National publicity Secretary of ACF, Professor Tukur Muhammad-Baba said that

“it is with concern that the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) views the refusal or reluctance of the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) to disclose details of the agreement widely reported in the national and internation press, to have been signed with the United States on 23rd September 2026, at New York, relating to the exploitation of critical and/or strategic minerals”.

 

He remarked that “ACF’s basis for concern is that the reported deal remains opaque, particularly in the absence of sufficient publicly available information regarding the terms, scope, financial commitments, and implementation frameworks.”

According to ACF, “while the Forum recognises the potential benefits of responsible international investment and technical cooperation, it considers transparency, accountability, national sovereignty, economic justice and the protection of Nigeria’s national interests as indispensable in any arrangement capable of having significant and lasting consequences for the country and the communities in which they occur. Full public disclosure, and scrutiny therefrom, are therefore very critical and should not treated cavalierly. ”

“Additionally, the Forum is also mindful that Northern Nigeria possesses significant deposits of gold, lithium, lead-zinc and other commercially valuable minerals. Properly exploited and developed within a transparent and accountable legal framework, these resources could contribute substantially to employment generation, industrial development, public revenue and the diversification of the regional economy”, Professor Muhammad-Baba said.

“For the ACF, the central issue is not simply whether these resources will attract foreign investment, but whether their development will translate into demonstrable or measurable and substantial benefits for the people of the region or elsewhere in the country, as legitimate aspirations. Such benefits should include meaningful Nigerian participation in mining and related industries, skills acquisition and development, local processing where commercially and technically viable, infrastructure development, environmental protection, fair compensation for affected communities and the creation of enduring economic opportunities”, he added.

Muhammad-Baba further stressed, “Such aspirations are important for all but especially so for the northern region being mired in a cascading web of devastating insecurity with armed non-state actors visiting mindless violence and wreaking havoc on communities, killing, raping, maiming, looting, displacing populations, subjecting hapless settlements to arson, kidnapping citizens for ransom, and other unspeakable brutalities.”

Specifically , he noted, “ACF is particularly concerned that the spate of insecurity pervading many parts of the northern region may expose mineral-bearing communities to unlawful exploitation, population displacement, environmental degradation and the loss of legitimate economic opportunities.”

Said he: ” the development strategies for mineral resources must not create additional vulnerabilities for communities already economic activity. The FGN and relevant security and regulatory institutions should therefore explain the safeguards, that will prevent illegal exploitation, protect mining sites and host communities, as well as ensure that the proceeds of lawful mineral development contribute to legitimate economic activities.”

Professor Muhammad-Baba continued, “any allegations of unlawful exploitation or the involvement or complicity of foreign interests in criminal activities in mining or other areas should be thoroughly investigated by the competent authorities and addressed based on hard, credible evidence.ACF’s concern is not, per se, cooperation with the United States but whether Nigeria, and particularly mineral-producing communities, will receive a fair, transparent and enforceable share of the benefits”.

“It is thus that the Forum supports responsible foreign investment, but not investment without transparency; mineral development, but not extraction without value addition; and international partnership, but not arrangements whose terms and benefits remain opaque”, ACF added.

According to the Northern group, “the demand for full disclosure on the instant issue is grounded on three constitutional provisions: (i) Section 14(2)(b) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) specifically establishes the principle that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government; (ii) Section 16(1)(a) and (b) which addresses the management of national resources and the promotion of economic welfare”.

It’s statement further stressed, “these two provisions are critical components of Chapter II of the Constitution, but which must be considered alongside Section 16(6)(c) which generally limits judicial enforcement of the provisions of the same chapter except as otherwise provided by the Constitution; and (iii) the Freedom of Information Act (2011) that provides statutory framework through which aggrieved citizens may seek access to records held by public institutions subject to applicable limitations.”

ACF argued: ” at the very least, therefore, the FGN should fully disclose the agreement in question, without withholding any material facts as well as submit to appropriate legislative oversight.Specific to the agreement, ACF is constrained to demand answers to the following questions:What exactly has Nigeria signed? Will the complete framework, including relevant annexes, side letters and subsequent implementation agreements, be published for public scrutiny?What does the United States commit in return?”

” Beyond expressions of interest, what identifiable investments, financing, infrastructure, technology and industrial facilities will be delivered, and within what timeframe? What rights, if any, does the agreement confer on participating parties (companies, etc.) and what safeguards preserve Nigeria’s lawful regulatory powers? Does the framework confer preferential access, exclusive purchasing rights or other advantages on US companies? What prevent Nigerian resources from being committed on unfavourable terms?Where are the guarantees for mineral-endowed communities in Nigeria?”, it stressed.

“What enforceable provisions will ensure local employment, skills development, Nigerian ownership and participation, community infrastructure, environmental restoration and compensation for affected populations?Does the agreement contain enforceable provisions on local processing, technology development, Nigerian participation, and value addition, as opposed to the export of raw materials abroad?What becomes of our geological data? Who will own, control, store and commercially use information generated through exploration of Northern Nigeria’s mineral deposits? How will Nigeria’s strategic interests be protected?Who bears the environmental and security costs? Are there safeguards and other guarantees to protect the environment, post-exploitation? ”

The Arewa group also queried, “will there be commitments to firm and enforceable environmental remediation? What mechanisms will be put in place to prevent water contamination, land degradation, unsafe mining, displacement and conflict over mineral-bearing land? Who will pay for remediation and community compensation?What role will states and host local communities play? How will state governments, traditional institutions, local communities, artisanal miners and Nigerian businesses participate in decisions affecting their economic future?”

“Does the agreement expose the Federation or a state government to financial liabilities, restrict local policy choices or require legislative approval? Does the purported agreement comply with Nigeria’s constitutional and statutory framework governing mineral resources and land administration? How does it address the FGN’s powers under Section 44(3) of the Constitution, the applicable mining legislation, the Land Use Act, the rights of affected landholders and communities and any approvals or consultations required by law?”, it stressed.

The statement said, “ACF calls on the Federal Government, the National Assembly and the relevant regulatory institutions to ensure full transparency and appropriate scrutiny. In particular, the FGN should: publish the agreement and associated documents to the full extent provided by law.Clarify the legal status and financial implications of the arrangement. Identify the participating companies, their obligations and any preferential rights guarantees for them. Explain the mechanisms for legislative scrutiny and regulatory oversight as may be necessary.”

“Disclose the proposed arrangement for local participation, value addition, environmental protection and community benefits. Establish a transparent mechanism for monitoring implementation and reporting progress,Consult relevant state governments. Affected communities and other stakeholders in accordance with applicable law(s).More than just a political statement, ACF calls on key national and community stakeholders to insist on a clear framework for equitable benefit-sharing and responsible resource development. This is a task and a responsibility by state governors, legislators, traditional institutions, civil society organisations, mining associations and community representatives.

Nigeria in general, and the northern region in particular, cannot afford an extractive arrangement in which its resources leave the ground while its people remain poor, unemployed and exposed to environmental damage. Our mineral wealth must become the foundation of industrialisation, productive employment, local enterprise and sustainable prosperity.ACF’s demand to the FGN is: nothing short of full disclosure will suffice. Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!”, the group added.