Kazakhstan Delegation Concludes Nigerian Visit with Discussions on Rare Earth Metals, Fertilizers, and Oil Cooperation

A Kazakh delegation, led by Vice Foreign Minister Alibek Kuantyrov, has completed its visit to Nigeria, Orda reports.

During the three-day trip from February 23-26, discussions focused on exploring rare earth metal deposits, fertilizer supplies, and potential cooperation in the oil sector.

The delegation met with representatives across multiple Nigerian ministries, including Foreign Affairs, Industry, Communications, Agriculture, Transport, and Oil Resources.

They also held discussions with the Ooni of Ife, the monarch of the Yoruba people, who represent over 15% of Nigeria's population.

Meetings with prominent Nigerian business leaders were also part of the agenda.

Kazakhstan proposed three main areas of cooperation:

• Mining and metallurgical industry – particularly Kazakh companies' exploration of Nigeria's rare earth metal deposits 
• Chemical and petrochemical cooperation – with Kazakhstan offering to supply fertilizers to Nigeria
• Potential defense industry collaboration

Additionally, Kazakh Invest reported discussions between Kuantyrov and Nigerian Oil Minister Heineken Lokpobiri covered "cooperation in exploration, production, transportation and refining of oil and oil products."

Nigeria expressed interest in importing Kazakh oil to its refineries, though nothing concrete has emerged.

Kazakhstan is positioned to supply Nigeria with more than 300 types of goods while expressing particular interest in importing Nigerian cocoa beans for chocolate production. 

Three potential trade routes have been preliminarily developed for these exchanges.

Kazakhstan's focus on Nigeria is strategic, given Nigeria's position as one of Africa's largest economies and most populous nations (229.1 million people in 2024). President Qasym-Jomart Toqayev has reinforced this commitment by inviting Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to visit Astana.

Original Author: Nikita Drobny