The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Yu Dunhai, has revealed that plans are underway to establish electric vehicle (EV) factories in Nigeria, as part of efforts to deepen collaboration between both countries in the solid minerals sector.
Ambassador Dunhai made this known during a courtesy visit to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, over the weekend in Abuja.
He described Nigeria as a great nation with abundant natural resources and reiterated China’s strategic interest in strengthening bilateral relations, particularly in the area of mineral development and industrialization.
Referencing the recent meeting between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and President Xi Jinping during Tinubu’s state visit to China, Ambassador Dunhai noted that both leaders agreed to elevate ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership, creating new opportunities for cooperation in mining and manufacturing.
“Chinese firms are already active in Nigeria’s mining value chain, from exploration to processing. We now aim to broaden this cooperation, particularly in line with President Tinubu’s economic diversification agenda through the solid minerals sector,” he said.
The Ambassador affirmed China’s commitment to lawful and sustainable operations, stressing that the Chinese government maintains a zero-tolerance stance on illegal mining.
He stated that the embassy continually urges Chinese firms in Nigeria to comply with regulations, adopt best practices, and uphold corporate social responsibility.
In response, Dr. Alake welcomed the strengthening of bilateral cooperation, commending law-abiding Chinese firms for their investments. However, he expressed concern over a few errant operators, citing a recent viral video involving a Chinese national allegedly offering bribes to local security agents.
“While we appreciate the contribution of many Chinese companies operating within the law, we cannot ignore the damage caused by illegal actors. We count on your support to ensure such individuals are held accountable,” the Minister said.
Dr. Alake emphasized the achievements of the Mining Marshals recently deployed to combat illegal mining, noting improved compliance and increased investor confidence across the sector.
He further reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to local value addition in mineral development. “The era of exporting raw minerals is over. With our abundant lithium reserves, we want to see electric vehicles and batteries manufactured here in Nigeria. We are open to serious investors who share our vision of in-country processing and industrialization.”
The Minister urged the Ambassador to rally Chinese investors toward full-cycle operations from extraction to processing and manufacturing within Nigeria. He highlighted the nation’s vast market and its push to transition from fossil fuels to clean energy alternatives.
In support, Ambassador Dunhai applauded Nigeria’s local value-addition initiative and affirmed that industrialization in Africa remains a top priority for President Xi Jinping. He confirmed that discussions are ongoing to set up electric vehicle plants and other manufacturing ventures in Nigeria.
