*His Excellency Ambassador Yu Dunhai, Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, harps on the need for enhanced collaboration between China and Nigeria, hinting at his country’s establishing electric vehicle factories in Nigeria

Isola Moses | 绿帽献妻

In a bid to unlock and maximise the potential of the country’s Solid Minerals sector, the Chinese Ambassador has emphasised the need for enhanced collaboration between China and Nigeria, and establish electric vehicle (EV) factories in the latter.

H.E. Ambassador Yu Dunhai, disclosed this while speaking during a courtesy visit to Dr. Oladele Alake, Honourable Minister for Solid Minerals Development (MSMD) at the weekend in his office, in Abuja, FCT.

The Chinese envoy emphasised that Nigeria is a great country blessed with tremendous natural resources.

He affirmed that China has always placed the West African country in a very pivotal position of her foreign policy.

Recalling the recent high-level engagement between Presidents Bola Tinubu and Xi Jinping during Tinubu鈥檚 state visit to China, Ambassador Dunhai noted that both leaders agreed to elevate bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership, creating new opportunities for cooperation.

Segun Tomori, FSCA, Special Assistant to the Minister on Media, Sunday, May 18, 2025, stated Ambassador Yu Dunhai said: 鈥淐hinese companies are already deeply involved in Nigeria鈥檚 mining sector, from exploration to processing.

“We aim to deepen this collaboration, especially in line with President Tinubu鈥檚 eight priority areas, notably economic diversification through solid minerals.”

The envoy also explained that the Embassy and the Chinese Government have always admonished Chinese companies operating in Nigeria to abide by rules and regulations, implement Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and adhere to environmental and safety standards.

Dunhai stressed the Chinese authorities have zero tolerance for illegal mining, signifying their readiness to work with the Nigerian government to bring suspected culprits to justice.

In his remarks during the envoy’s visit, Dr. Alake stated that Nigeria appreciates its long-standing relations with China, acknowledging that most Chinese firms operate within legal and regulatory frameworks. He, however, expressed concern over the actions of a few operators tarnishing China鈥檚 image.

Alake equally referenced a recent viral video involving a Chinese national allegedly bribing local security agents.

The Minister stated: 鈥淲e’ve 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.”

Dr. Alake highlighted the impact of the Mining Marshals established to combat illegal mining.

He affirmed the security outfit has sent the right signal in the sector, raised awareness about the menace, and has consequently, improved compliance with regulations by both local and foreign operators.

The Minister restated that Nigeria is open for business to serious investors.

He further stressed that investments in the country’s mining industry are now focused on local value addition.

Alake averred: 鈥淔or years, our minerals have been exported raw to fuel foreign industrialisation.

“That must change. We now prioritise local processing to drive Nigeria鈥檚 development.

“For instance, with the abundance of lithium, we want to see local manufacturing of electric vehicles and batteries.”

The Minister, therefore, urged HE Dunhai to encourage Chinese investors to commit to full-cycle investments; that is, from extraction to processing, within Nigeria.

He pointed out Nigeria鈥檚 large market and the potential to reduce reliance on fossil fuels through electric vehicle production.

The statement noted Ambassador Dunhai聽 expressed support for Nigeria鈥檚 local value-addition policy.

He said one of President Xi Jinping鈥檚 key priorities is promoting African industrialisation.

Plans are underway to establish electric vehicle factories and other manufacturing ventures in Nigeria, the Chinese Ambassador stated.

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