Yu Dunhai, the Chinese ambassador to Nigeria, has reiterated China’s commitment to intensifying bilateral cooperation with Nigeria, particularly in the solid minerals sector, through the establishment of EV factories and increased industrial collaboration.
Ambassador Dunhai emphasized the strategic significance of Nigeria in China’s foreign policy while speaking as a courtesy to Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development.
“Nigeria is a wonderful nation with abundant natural resources. Chinese companies are already heavily involved in the mining industry of Nigeria, from exploration to completion.
We want to expand this collaboration, especially in accordance with President Tinubu’s eight priority areas, including solid minerals economic diversification, he said.
During the Nigerian leader’s state visit to China, Ambassador Dunhai brought up President Xi Jinping’s recent high-level conversation with him.
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He noted that both presidents agreed to open up new avenues for cooperation by boosting bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership.
The ambassador cited the Chinese government’s commitment to responsible investment and the ambassador’s assertion that the embassy consistently advises Chinese companies operating in Nigeria to follow local laws, follow corporate social responsibility (CSR), and uphold environmental and safety standards.
We “tolerate” illegal mining to a halt. He emphasized that the Chinese government is prepared to assist Nigerian authorities in prosecuting any criminals.
Alake reacted by acknowledging that most Chinese companies adhere to legal and regulatory frameworks, acknowledging that China has long supported Nigeria’s economic growth.
He cited a recent viral video involving a Chinese national allegedly bribing local security officials as one of his concerns over the conduct of a select few operators, which are tarnishing China’s reputation.
We have taken legal action against illegal businesses, including some Chinese citizens. Even in isolation, such events undermine the work of many trustworthy Chinese businesses. The minister reaffirmed that we require your assistance in bringing these criminals to justice.
Alake also praised the government’s recent efforts to stop illegal mining by deploying Mining Marshals, noting that the initiative has significantly improved compliance and sent a strong message to both local and foreign operators.
The minister reiterated the country’s willingness to talk to serious investors, stressing that local value addition is the main topic at the moment rather than raw materials exports.
Our minerals have been exported raw for industrial purposes for years. That needs to change. To promote Nigeria’s development, we now give local processing a priority.
We want to see local manufacturing of electric vehicles and batteries, he said, “for instance, given the abundance of lithium.”
Alake urged Ambassador Dunhai to support Chinese investors in Nigeria by pursuing a full-cycle investment strategy, including those involving mineral extraction and processing. He emphasized that a change in the market would help to harness Nigeria’s significant market and lessen its dependence on fossil fuels.
