By Nkechi Eze
The Chinese Federation has dismissed as misleading and unfounded a report being recirculated by some media outlets alleging a so-called “Chinese infiltration” of Nigeria’s solid minerals sector, insisting that Chinese mining companies operating in the country have consistently complied with Nigerian laws and regulations.
In a statement reacting to the report, the Federation noted that the allegations accused some Chinese nationals of engaging in illegal mining, seizing critical mineral resources, damaging the environment, undermining Nigeria’s economic and social development, and even fueling terrorist activities, while also calling on Nigerian authorities to strengthen governance in the mining sector.
The Federation, however, described the claims as false and misleading, stressing that Chinese mining companies in Nigeria operate strictly within the framework of Nigerian laws and regulations and in line with the guidance of the Chinese government. It stated that the companies have continued to work closely with relevant Nigerian government agencies to strengthen mining governance and ensure lawful operations across the sector.
According to the Federation, beyond legal compliance, Chinese mining firms have responded proactively to Nigeria’s aspirations for industrial transformation and upgrading in the solid minerals sector by investing in value-added activities. These include the establishment of local processing facilities and factories, as well as the employment of Nigerian workers, initiatives which it said have significantly boosted local job creation and enabled Nigeria to retain more added value from its mineral resources.
The statement further explained that these investments have helped transform Nigeria’s natural resource endowments into concrete development gains, while also contributing to community development through corporate social responsibility initiatives and environmental protection efforts. The Federation maintained that such actions underscore the positive contributions of Chinese companies to deepening China-Nigeria cooperation in the mining sector.
Reacting specifically to the allegation that Chinese mining companies are fueling terrorism in Nigeria, the Federation described the claim as “completely unfounded,” emphasizing that Chinese companies operating in Nigeria have themselves been victims of terrorist attacks. It stressed that the companies have always supported, and remain willing to cooperate fully with, the Nigerian government in safeguarding national security, noting that both Chinese businesses and Nigerians share a common interest in a secure and stable operating environment.
The Federation called on Nigerian media practitioners and stakeholders across various sectors to report on the activities of Chinese mining companies objectively and fairly, warning against the spread of false information capable of undermining cooperation and friendship between China and Nigeria. It urged the media not to allow themselves to be used by individuals or groups with ulterior motives to distort facts and damage bilateral relations.
Reaffirming its commitment to Nigeria, the Federation expressed readiness to continue working with the Nigerian government and all relevant stakeholders to further deepen mining cooperation, support Nigeria’s economic and social development, and deliver greater mutual benefits to the peoples of both countries.
