Africa (Commonwealth Union) _ China is set to bolster its industrial footprint in Nigeria with plans to establish electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing plants and expand its investments in the country’s solid minerals sector. This information was disclosed by Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, during a recent bilateral meeting with the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, in Abuja.
The ambassador, as stated by Alake’s Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori, emphasized the strategic importance of enhanced cooperation between China and Nigeria. He pointed out that President Xi Jinping’s vision for Africa includes supporting industrialization efforts, with a focus on value-added manufacturing such as electric vehicle production.
Ambassador Dunhai noted that Chinese firms are already active in Nigeria’s mining sector, covering everything from exploration to processing. He reaffirmed China’s commitment to deepening this collaboration in alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s eight-point agenda, particularly economic diversification through solid minerals.
He further explained that following President Tinubu’s recent state visit to China, both nations agreed to elevate their bilateral relations into a “comprehensive strategic partnership” that opens up new avenues for investment and technology exchange.
Addressing concerns raised by the Nigerian minister regarding illegal mining activities, some of which involve Chinese nationals, the ambassador stressed that the Chinese government maintains a zero-tolerance stance on illegal operations. He confirmed that the Chinese embassy regularly advises Chinese businesses in Nigeria to strictly adhere to local laws, environmental regulations, and corporate social responsibility standards.
“We are committed to ensuring that violators are held accountable, and we are willing to cooperate fully with Nigerian authorities in this regard,” Dunhai stated.
Dr. Alake welcomed the development and reiterated that Nigeria welcomes business, especially from responsible investors who align with the nation’s local value-addition policy.
“We want investments that lead to local processing, not just raw material exports,” Alake said. “With our abundant lithium resources, establishing domestic electric vehicle and battery manufacturing is not only feasible but necessary for reducing reliance on fossil fuels.”
Alake reaffirmed the government’s determination to clamp down on illegal mining, regardless of the nationality of those involved, while acknowledging that most Chinese companies in Nigeria comply with local regulations.
