The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, has emphasized the need for stronger cooperation between China and Nigeria to unlock the vast potential of Nigeria’s solid minerals sector, particularly through the establishment of electric vehicle (EV) factories in the country.
Ambassador Dunhai made this known during a courtesy visit to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, where he underscored the strategic importance of closer bilateral ties in advancing Nigeria’s industrialization agenda.
According to a statement released on Sunday by Segun Tomori, Special Assistant on Media to the Minister, China is making plans to set up EV manufacturing plants in Nigeria as part of broader efforts to deepen economic cooperation.
Describing Nigeria as a nation richly endowed with natural resources, Dunhai reiterated China’s longstanding commitment to Nigeria, noting its central role in China’s foreign policy.
He referenced the recent high-level meeting between Presidents Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Xi Jinping during Tinubu’s state visit to China, where both leaders agreed to elevate bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership, paving the way for expanded collaboration.
In his remarks, Dr. Alake reiterated Nigeria’s openness to genuine investors and emphasized that the country’s mining sector is now focused on value addition within its borders.
He encouraged Chinese investors to pursue full-cycle investments from mineral extraction to processing and manufacturing within Nigeria.
Our minerals have long been exported in raw form to fuel industrial growth elsewhere. This must change, the minister said.
With Nigeria’s rich lithium deposits, we aim to see local production of electric vehicles and batteries.”
Ambassador Dunhai welcomed Nigeria’s push for local value addition, noting that one of President Xi’s key objectives is to support industrialization across Africa.
He confirmed that Chinese companies are already active in Nigeria’s mining industry, with involvement spanning exploration to processing, and revealed that plans are underway to establish EV factories and other manufacturing ventures.
He further stated that China is committed to supporting Nigeria’s economic diversification efforts, particularly through the solid minerals sector, in line with President Tinubu’s eight-point agenda.
The ambassador also stressed that the Chinese government expects all Chinese firms operating in Nigeria to comply with local laws, implement Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), and adhere to environmental and safety standards.
He emphasized China’s zero tolerance for illegal mining and expressed willingness to cooperate with Nigerian authorities in bringing violators to justice.
In response, Dr. Alake acknowledged the strong and longstanding ties between Nigeria and China and commended the compliance of most Chinese companies with Nigerian regulations.
However, he expressed concern over the actions of a few rogue operators that tarnish China’s image, referencing a recent viral video involving a Chinese national allegedly bribing local security officials.
“We have taken action against illegal operators, including some Chinese nationals. While these are isolated incidents, they risk undermining the reputation of law-abiding Chinese firms.
We count on your cooperation to ensure that such offenders are held accountable, Alake stated.
The minister also highlighted the achievements of the Mining Marshals, a special task force created to combat illegal mining.
He noted that the initiative has improved regulatory compliance and raised awareness among both local and foreign stakeholders in the mining sector
