Probe into Tinubu-US $700bn mining deal now likely after Democrats’ win, lobbying firm says

US lobbying and advisory firm Von Batten-Montague-York says Democrats’ congressional victories in Tuesday’s elections make an investigation into Nigerian President Bola Tinubu’s mining memorandum of understanding with the United States likely. The firm says Democrats had already signaled plans to scrutinize critical-minerals agreements negotiated by Donald Trump’s administration amid concerns about corruption and pay-to-play. The mining framework was reportedly signed in New York on September 23, 2026, by Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, and US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau. Nigeria’s government describes it as a framework to encourage US investment in mining, including exploration, processing and infrastructure.