By GARBA MUHAMMAD

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has demanded the immediate disclosure of the terms and conditions of a reported critical minerals agreement between Nigeria and the United States, warning against any arrangement that could undermine national sovereignty, economic interests and the welfare of mineral-producing communities.

The influential Northern socio-cultural organisation expressed concern over what it described as the Federal Government’s reluctance to disclose details of the agreement reportedly signed in New York on September 23, 2026.

In a statement issued in Kaduna on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, by its National Publicity Secretary, Professor T. A. Muhammad-Baba, the Forum said the alleged agreement remained shrouded in secrecy, raising questions about its scope, financial commitments, implementation framework and implications for Nigeria’s strategic mineral resources.

ACF maintained that while international investment and technical cooperation could contribute to economic development, such partnerships must guarantee transparency, accountability, national sovereignty and equitable benefits for Nigerians.

The Forum expressed particular concern over the implications of the reported deal for Northern Nigeria, which possesses significant deposits of gold, lithium, lead-zinc and other commercially valuable minerals.

It argued that the exploitation of these resources must translate into employment generation, industrial development, infrastructure, skills acquisition, local processing and improved living conditions for host communities.

According to ACF, mineral development should not become another avenue for extracting Nigeria’s natural wealth without corresponding economic benefits for its citizens.

The Forum also linked its concerns to the worsening insecurity across parts of Northern Nigeria, warning that mineral-bearing communities already affected by banditry, kidnapping, displacement and other forms of violence could become increasingly vulnerable to illegal mining, environmental degradation and economic exploitation.

It consequently challenged the Federal Government to explain the security and regulatory safeguards intended to protect mining communities and prevent unlawful exploitation of mineral resources.

ACF further called for credible investigations into any allegations of illegal exploitation or complicity by foreign interests in criminal activities connected with mining, stressing that such investigations must be based on verifiable evidence.

The organisation clarified that its objection was not to cooperation with the United States but to any agreement whose terms, obligations and benefits remained undisclosed.

“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,” the statement said.

The Forum raised 10 fundamental questions requiring government clarification, including the exact nature of the agreement, financial and technological commitments by the United States, possible preferential rights for American companies and guarantees for Nigerian participation.

It also demanded explanations regarding ownership and control of geological data, environmental liabilities, local mineral processing, compensation for affected communities and the involvement of state governments, traditional institutions, artisanal miners and indigenous businesses.

ACF questioned whether the reported agreement could impose financial liabilities on the federation or state governments, restrict domestic policy decisions or require legislative approval.

Citing Sections 14(2)(b), 16(1)(a) and (b) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, alongside the Freedom of Information Act 2011, the Forum maintained that government had a responsibility to promote public welfare, protect national economic interests and ensure appropriate transparency.

It called on the National Assembly and relevant regulatory institutions to subject the reported arrangement to appropriate scrutiny.

Specifically, ACF demanded publication of the agreement and associated documents, identification of participating companies and their obligations, clarification of financial implications and disclosure of mechanisms for environmental protection, local participation and equitable benefit-sharing.

The Forum also urged the Federal Government to establish transparent monitoring and reporting mechanisms and undertake consultations with affected states and host communities in accordance with applicable laws.

It called on Northern governors, lawmakers, traditional rulers, civil society organisations, mining associations and community representatives to insist on responsible resource development that prioritises the interests of Nigerians.

“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,” ACF declared.

The Forum insisted that Nigeria’s mineral wealth must serve as a foundation for industrialisation, productive employment, indigenous enterprise and sustainable economic prosperity.

“ACF’s demand to the FGN is: nothing short of full disclosure will suffice,” the statement concluded.