In an exciting development, the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, has announced plans to set up electric vehicle manufacturing facilities and other production initiatives in Nigeria.
During a recent bilateral meeting with the Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, Mr Dunhai shared this information, which was later conveyed by Mr Alake’s media special assistant, Segun Tomori, in a statement released on Sunday in Abuja.
The ambassador emphasised the importance of enhanced collaboration between China and Nigeria to harness the potential of Nigeria’s solid minerals sector through the establishment of electric vehicle factories. He expressed strong support for Nigeria’s local value-addition policy, highlighting that one of President Xi Jinping’s key objectives is to foster the industrialisation of Africa.
Mr Dunhai noted that the leaders of both nations had agreed to elevate their bilateral relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership aimed at creating fresh avenues for cooperation. He recalled the high-level discussions between President Bola Tinubu and President Jinping during Mr Tinubu’s recent state visit to China, aimed at achieving this aim.
According to Mr Tomori, the ambassador mentioned that Chinese firms are already significantly involved in Nigeria’s mining sector, engaging in everything from exploration to processing. “We intend to strengthen this collaboration, particularly in alignment with President Tinubu’s eight priority areas, especially economic diversification through solid minerals,” the ambassador stated.
Addressing concerns raised by Minister Alake regarding the impact of a few operators on China’s reputation, Mr Dunhai reassured that the embassy and the Chinese government have continually advocated for adherence to regulations. He confirmed that Chinese companies operating in Nigeria have been instructed by their government to comply with local laws and to integrate necessary corporate social responsibility initiatives while observing environmental and safety standards.
Mr Tomori reported that the ambassador affirmed a strict stance against illegal mining, expressing readiness to partner with the Nigerian government to ensure that those suspected of wrongdoing face justice.
In response, Minister Alake highlighted Nigeria’s vast market potential and its ambition to decrease reliance on fossil fuels through electric vehicle production. He acknowledged the long-standing relationship between Nigeria and China, noting that most Chinese enterprises operate within legal and regulatory frameworks. However, he did express concern over the actions of a minority of operators and confirmed that legal measures are being taken to address these issues.
“We have acted against illegal operators, including some Chinese nationals. While these cases are isolated, they tarnish the reputation of many compliant Chinese firms. We require your cooperation in ensuring that such individuals are brought to justice,” he stated.
The minister reiterated Nigeria’s openness to serious investors, emphasising that investments in the mining sector are focused on local value addition. “We now prioritise local processing to drive Nigeria’s development. For instance, with our abundant lithium resources, we aim to see local manufacturing of electric vehicles and batteries,” he concluded.
(NAN)
