President Bola Tinubu has called for a complete overhaul of the global financial architecture governing Africa’s mineral resources.

Tinubu, represented by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, made the call at the Second Africa Minerals Strategy Group, AMSG, High-Level Roundtable on Critical Minerals Development in Africa.

The event was held on the margins of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, in New York.

Tinubu said it was time for African nations not only to finance their own mineral sectors but also to assert greater influence and control over the global supply chains of African products.

He stressed that such action was necessary to safeguard the sovereignty of African nations.

Tinubu further urged collective efforts by development partners and allies to help unlock the continent’s mineral economy for the benefit of Africa.

“We must take the bull by the horns in financing our future. Never again shall we wait for capital to trickle in.

“With sovereign funds, blended vehicles, and innovation tools like the Africa Mineral Token, Africa shall finance Africa.

“To safeguard this sovereignty, we must guard our cobalt, lithium, graphite, gold, and rare earths not as fragmented states but as one continental bloc, wielding collective power in global supply chains,” the President said.

He pledged Nigeria’s commitment towards catalysing a mineral-led renaissance under the Renewed Hope Agenda, as exemplified back home.

Tinubu urged African leaders to end the “ignoble cycle” of importing finished goods through accelerated government-led mineral exploration.

Tinubu seeks reform of global financial architecture to benefit Africa’s minerals