The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, has reaffirmed China’s dedication to strengthening bilateral ties with Nigeria, especially in the solid minerals sector. This includes plans to establish electric vehicle (EV) factories and boost industrial cooperation.
During a recent courtesy visit to Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, Ambassador Dunhai emphasized Nigeria’s strategic role in China’s foreign policy. He highlighted existing Chinese involvement in the country’s mining sector and expressed a desire to deepen collaboration, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s economic diversification agenda.
Dunhai referenced the recent high-level talks between Presidents Tinubu and Xi Jinping, which resulted in an agreement to elevate bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership.
The ambassador underscored China’s commitment to responsible investment, noting that the Chinese government maintains zero tolerance for illegal mining and expects companies to comply with Nigerian laws, corporate social responsibility, and environmental standards.
Minister Alake acknowledged the contributions of compliant Chinese firms but voiced concerns over a few rogue operators damaging China’s reputation—citing a recent incident involving a Chinese national allegedly bribing local officials. He called for continued collaboration to hold such individuals accountable.
Alake also spoke on the Nigerian government’s deployment of Mining Marshals, which has improved enforcement against illegal mining. He stressed the country’s shift toward local mineral processing and value addition, particularly with lithium, to promote domestic industrial growth and reduce reliance on fossil fuel exports.
In response, Ambassador Dunhai welcomed Nigeria’s focus on value addition and revealed that plans are underway for Chinese firms to invest in local EV and battery manufacturing. He said the move aligns with President Xi Jinping’s broader vision of advancing African industrialisation.
