During a recent courtesy visit to Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, emphasized the need for deeper cooperation between China and Nigeria, particularly in developing Nigeria’s solid minerals sector through electric vehicle (EV) production.
According to a statement by Segun Tomori, Special Assistant on Media to the minister, Ambassador Dunhai revealed China’s plans to set up electric vehicle factories in Nigeria. He praised Nigeria as a nation “blessed with tremendous natural resources” and highlighted its significance in China’s foreign policy.
Reflecting on the recent meeting between Presidents Bola Tinubu and Xi Jinping, Dunhai said the leaders agreed to elevate their countries’ ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership, thereby opening new opportunities for collaboration.
In response, Minister Alake reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to attracting serious investors focused on local value addition in the mining sector. He encouraged China to promote full-cycle investment—from mineral extraction to final processing—within Nigeria.
“For years, our minerals have been exported raw to fuel foreign industrialisation. That must change,” Alake stated. “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 this approach, aligning it with President Xi’s emphasis on African industrialisation.
“Plans are underway to establish electric vehicle factories and other manufacturing ventures in Nigeria. Chinese companies are already deeply involved in Nigeria’s mining sector, from exploration to processing. We aim to deepen this collaboration, especially in line with President Tinubu’s eight priority areas, notably economic diversification through solid minerals,” he said.
Dunhai also assured that China encourages its companies to operate responsibly, with a firm stance against illegal mining.
“The embassy and the Chinese government have always admonished Chinese companies operating in Nigeria to abide by rules and regulations, implement Corporate Social Responsibility and adhere to environmental and safety standards,” he said. “We have zero tolerance for illegal mining.”
Alake, while expressing appreciation for the longstanding relationship between the two nations, addressed recent incidents of misconduct. Referring to a viral video involving an alleged bribe by a Chinese national, he stressed:
“We have taken action against illegal operators, including some Chinese nationals. While isolated, such incidents undermine the good work of many compliant Chinese firms. We need your cooperation in ensuring that such culprits are brought to justice.”
He also noted the positive impact of the newly established Mining Marshals, stating the outfit has improved compliance and raised awareness about illegal mining activities among both local and foreign players.
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