The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, has emphasized the importance of deepening collaboration between China and Nigeria, particularly through the establishment of electric vehicle (EV) factories to harness Nigeria’s vast solid mineral resources.
Ambassador Dunhai made this call during a courtesy visit to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, in Abuja. During the visit, he highlighted the potential for Nigeria’s industrial growth through enhanced bilateral ties, particularly in mining and manufacturing.
A statement released by the Minister’s Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori, on Sunday confirmed that China is planning to set up EV manufacturing plants in Nigeria as part of its broader strategy to support African industrialization.
“Nigeria is a great country blessed with tremendous natural resources,” Ambassador Dunhai said. “China places Nigeria at a strategic position in its foreign policy.”
Recalling the recent meeting between Presidents Bola Tinubu and Xi Jinping during Tinubu’s state visit to China, the ambassador noted that both leaders had agreed to elevate bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership. This, he said, would open new avenues for cooperation.
In response, Minister Alake reaffirmed Nigeria’s openness to genuine foreign investments, particularly those that support local value addition within the mining sector.
“For years, our minerals have been exported raw to fuel foreign industrialisation. That must change,” Alake said. “We now prioritise local processing to drive Nigeria’s development. For instance, with the abundance of lithium, we want to see local manufacturing of electric vehicles and batteries.”
Ambassador Dunhai welcomed the policy direction, stating that Chinese firms are already significantly involved in Nigeria’s mining sector. He confirmed that plans are in motion to establish electric vehicle factories and other industrial ventures in the country, aligning with President Tinubu’s economic diversification agenda.
He also assured that Chinese companies operating in Nigeria are regularly reminded to abide by local laws, uphold environmental and safety standards, and fulfil their corporate social responsibilities.
“The Chinese government has zero tolerance for illegal mining and is committed to working with Nigerian authorities to bring offenders to justice,” he stated.
Minister Alake, while appreciating the longstanding diplomatic ties between the two countries, expressed concern over a few rogue operators tarnishing China’s image, citing a recent viral video of a Chinese national allegedly bribing local security agents.
“We have taken action against illegal operators, including some Chinese nationals. While isolated, such incidents undermine the good work of many compliant Chinese firms,” he said.
The minister also praised the efforts of the newly established Mining Marshals, who are tackling illegal mining across the country. He noted that the initiative has significantly improved compliance and regulatory adherence among mining stakeholders.
