‘No Chinese Infiltration Of Nigeria’s Solid Minerals Sector’

The China Mining Federation has debunked allegations that Chinese nationals have infiltrated Nigeria’s solid mineral sector with the intention of mining the country’s mineral resources illegally.

The Federation in a statement obtained yesterday from the Chinese Embassy in Abuja, noted that the recirculation by certain media outlets of a report alleging the so-called “Chinese infiltration” of Nigeria’s Solid Minerals Sector is false and should be disregarded.

The report claims that some Chinese nationals in Nigeria are engaged in illegal mining activities, seizing critical mineral resources, hindering the country’s economic and social development, damaging the local ecological environment, and even fueling terrorist activities. It also called on relevant Nigerian authorities to strengthen governance in the mining sector.

However, the Federation stated that Chinese mining companies in Nigeria have always strictly complied with Nigeria’s laws and regulations, in accordance with the guidance of the Chinese government.

“While conducting business in compliance with the law, these companies actively cooperate with Nigerian government departments to strengthen mining governance.

“They have also responded proactively to Nigeria’s need for industrial transformation and upgrading in the mining sector by making investments, building local factories and hiring Nigerian workers, measures that have not only boosted local employment but also enabled Nigeria to retain greater added value, turning resource endowments into tangible development dividends.

“By giving back to local communities, fulfilling social responsibilities, and protecting the natural environment, these companies have made positive contributions to deepening China-Nigeria mining cooperation,” the statement said.

The federation also said that the allegations that Chinese companies are fueling terrorism in Nigeria are completely unfounded. It emphasized that Chinese mining companies in Nigeria have themselves been victims of terrorist activities.

It stressed that Chinese firms have always supported and remain willing to cooperate with the Nigerian government in safeguarding national security, with the shared aim of operating and living in a secure and stable environment.

“The Federation hopes that the media and friends from all sectors in Nigeria will view and report on the cooperation and operations of Chinese mining companies in an objective and fair manner, and will not allow themselves to be used by those with ill motives to spread false information and undermine the cooperation and friendship between our two countries.

“The Federation stands ready 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,” the statement added.