China’s ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, has dismissed as false allegations that Chinese mining companies are infiltrating Nigeria’s solid minerals sector, engaging in illegal mining and fueling insecurity, saying such claims misrepresent the activities of Chinese companies and threaten cooperation between the two countries.
In a statement issued through the Chinese Mining Federation of Nigeria, the ambassador said reports circulating in some media outlets alleging “Chinese infiltration” were baseless and misleading.
“Chinese mining companies in Nigeria have always strictly complied with Nigerian laws and regulations, in accordance with the Chinese government’s guidelines.”
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“While conducting business in accordance with the law, these companies actively cooperate with Nigerian government departments to strengthen mining governance.”
He said Chinese companies operating in the sector were supporting Nigeria’s economic objectives by investing in local value chains rather than simply extracting raw materials.
“They have proactively responded to Nigeria’s need for industrial transformation and modernization of the mining sector by making investments, building local factories and hiring Nigerian workers.”
“The approach boosted local employment and enabled Nigeria to retain greater added value, turning resource endowment into tangible dividends for development.”
Yu also emphasized that Chinese companies were contributing to host communities and environmental protection, and described as inaccurate the narrative that they harm ecosystems and undermine development.
“By giving back to local communities, fulfilling their social responsibilities and protecting the natural environment, these companies have made positive contributions to deepening mining cooperation between China and Nigeria,” he said.
Reacting to claims that Chinese citizens were fueling terrorism through mining activities, the ambassador described the accusations as unfounded and noted that Chinese companies themselves had been targets of violence.
“Allegations that Chinese companies are fueling terrorism in Nigeria are completely unfounded. It should be noted that Chinese mining companies in Nigeria have themselves been victims of terrorist activities.”
He said Chinese companies remained committed to working with Nigerian authorities to improve security, highlighting a shared interest in stability.
“They have always supported and remain willing to cooperate with the Nigerian government to safeguard national security, with the shared goal of operating and living in a safe and stable environment,” the ambassador said.
Yu urged the Nigerian media and other stakeholders to report on Chinese activities in the mining sector fairly and objectively, warning against the spread of misinformation.
“We hope that the media and friends from all sectors in Nigeria will see and report on the cooperation and operations of Chinese mining companies objectively and fairly.”
“They must not allow people with bad motives to use them to spread false information and undermine the cooperation and friendship between our two countries.”
The ambassador said the Chinese Mining Federation of Nigeria was ready to continue engaging with Nigerian authorities and stakeholders to strengthen cooperation in the sector.
“The Federation is willing to work with the Nigerian government and all sectors of society to further deepen mining cooperation, support Nigeria’s economic and social development, and deliver greater benefits to our two peoples,” Yu said.