China deepens mining ties, sets to establish electric vehicle plants in Nigeria
The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Yu Dunhai, has called for stronger collaboration between Nigeria and China to unlock the potential of Nigeria’s solid minerals sector through the establishment of electric vehicle factories.
During a courtesy visit to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, in Abuja over the weekend, Ambassador Dunhai described Nigeria as a country rich in natural resources and emphasized its strategic importance in China’s foreign policy.
He recalled the recent meeting between President Bola Tinubu and President Xi Jinping in Beijing, where both leaders agreed to elevate bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership.
Dunhai stated that Chinese companies are already engaged in Nigeria’s mining sector and are eager to align their efforts with Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda. He stressed that China has zero tolerance for illegal mining and encourages all Chinese firms to comply with Nigerian laws and environmental standards.
In response, Dr. Alake expressed appreciation for the longstanding relationship with China but raised concerns over recent incidents involving a few illegal operators, including Chinese nationals, which he said undermine the reputation of compliant firms.
The minister noted that the establishment of Mining Marshals has helped curb illegal mining, improved compliance, and sent a strong message to both local and foreign operators.
Alake reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to local value addition, especially in the processing of critical minerals like lithium. He urged Chinese investors to commit to full-cycle investment that includes local processing and electric vehicle production.
Ambassador Dunhai welcomed Nigeria’s policy direction and confirmed that plans are underway to establish electric vehicle factories and related manufacturing ventures, aligning with China’s goal of promoting African industrialization.
