China and Nigeria are strengthening bilateral ties as China moves to set up electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing plants in Nigeria, a step aimed at harnessing Nigeria’s solid mineral wealth for industrial development.
This development came during a courtesy visit by the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, to Dr. Dele Alake, Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development. Ambassador Dunhai emphasized China’s commitment to deepening industrial cooperation, especially in the mining and EV sectors.
According to a statement released by Segun Tomori, the Minister’s Special Assistant on Media, discussions during the meeting centered on promoting full-cycle mineral processing in Nigeria—shifting away from raw exports to local manufacturing.
Dunhai described Nigeria as a nation rich in natural resources and strategically important to China’s foreign policy. He also referenced the recent high-level talks between Presidents Bola Tinubu and Xi Jinping, during which both leaders agreed to elevate their relationship to a strategic partnership.
Minister Alake highlighted the government’s focus on attracting serious investors who will process minerals locally. He pointed out Nigeria’s vast lithium reserves and reiterated the nation’s ambition to become a hub for EV and battery production.
“For years, we exported raw minerals. That model must change. Local value addition is now our top priority,” said Alake.
Ambassador Dunhai affirmed China’s alignment with Nigeria’s industrial goals, noting that Chinese companies are already active in Nigeria’s mining industry and that plans for EV factories are already in motion. He added that the Chinese government urges its firms to comply with Nigerian regulations, prioritize environmental safety, and embrace corporate social responsibility.
He also acknowledged the issue of illegal mining, stating that China maintains zero tolerance for such practices and is prepared to work closely with Nigerian authorities to prosecute offenders.
Minister Alake appreciated the long-standing relationship between the two nations but voiced concerns about isolated incidents involving non-compliant Chinese operators. Referring to a viral video of a Chinese national allegedly bribing security personnel, he said such actions undermine the credibility of compliant investors.
The minister pointed to the positive impact of the Mining Marshals, a special task force fighting illegal mining, which has significantly improved compliance and awareness in the sector.
