China will establish electric vehicle factories in Nigeria, says Envoy

…seeks stronger ties with Nigeria on solid minerals

The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, HE Yu Dunhai, has called for deeper cooperation between Nigeria and China to unlock the potential of Nigeria’s solid minerals sector, particularly through the establishment of electric vehicle (EV) factories in the country.

Speaking during a courtesy visit to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, at the weekend, Ambassador Dunhai highlighted Nigeria’s vast mineral wealth and strategic importance to China’s foreign policy agenda.

His remarks were contained in a statement released on Sunday by the minister’s media aide, Segun Tomori.

Recalling the recent engagement between Presidents Bola Tinubu and Xi Jinping during Tinubu’s visit to China, the ambassador said both leaders agreed to upgrade the bilateral relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership. This, he said, has opened new avenues for collaboration across sectors.

“Chinese companies are already active in Nigeria’s mining industry, from exploration to processing. We are keen to expand this partnership, particularly in support of Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda, which includes solid minerals,” he noted.

Dunhai affirmed that the Chinese government continues to advise its companies operating in Nigeria to comply with local laws, uphold environmental and safety standards, and carry out Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. He also stressed China’s zero-tolerance stance on illegal mining, pledging to support Nigeria’s efforts to curb such activities.

In response, Minister Alake commended China’s longstanding partnership with Nigeria, acknowledging that many Chinese firms operate responsibly within legal and regulatory boundaries. However, he voiced concern over isolated incidents involving some operators, referencing a recent viral video showing a Chinese national allegedly attempting to bribe security personnel.

“While most Chinese companies are compliant, we have taken action against those found wanting. These few cases should not overshadow the good work being done by others. We seek your support to ensure that violators are held accountable,” the minister said.

Alake also highlighted the role of the newly deployed Mining Marshals in tackling illegal mining and enforcing compliance across the sector. He noted that this initiative has already begun to yield positive results.

The minister reiterated Nigeria’s new policy direction in the mining sector, which prioritises value addition over raw mineral exportation. He specifically pointed to the country’s lithium reserves, expressing hope that they will support local production of electric vehicles and related technologies.

“We’re shifting from exporting raw minerals to encouraging local processing and manufacturing. With the growing global demand for electric vehicles, now is the time for Nigeria to build local capacity in battery and vehicle production,” he added.

Ambassador Dunhai welcomed the shift toward local value addition and affirmed China’s commitment to supporting industrial development in Africa. He revealed that plans are already in motion to establish electric vehicle manufacturing plants and related factories in Nigeria.