Rita Odafe
The Nigerian Federal Government has officially sanctioned a Chinese firm’s initiative to set up electric vehicle manufacturing plants in the country.
Ambassador Yu Dunhai of China confirmed this partnership, highlighting efforts to tap into Nigeria’s Solid Minerals sector through the development of electric vehicle factories.
Dunhai shared this news during a courtesy meeting with Dr. Dele Alake, Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, where he stressed the necessity of strengthening bilateral ties to foster Nigeria’s industrial expansion.
A statement released by the minister’s Media Special Assistant, Segun Tomori, on Sunday outlined China’s plans to create electric vehicle production facilities in Nigeria.
According to the ambassador, Nigeria is a nation rich in natural resources, and China considers it an essential partner in its foreign policy framework.
Reflecting on the recent discussions between Presidents Bola Tinubu and Xi Jinping during Tinubu’s official visit to China, Ambassador Dunhai noted the commitment to enhance their partnership into a comprehensive strategic alliance, paving the way for new collaborative prospects.
In his remarks, Minister Alake affirmed Nigeria’s openness to serious investors, emphasizing that investment strategies in the country’s mining sector are now aimed at adding local value.
He encouraged the ambassador to motivate Chinese investors to focus on complete-cycle investments in Nigeria, from extraction to processing.
Alake highlighted Nigeria’s substantial market and the opportunity to lessen dependence on fossil fuels via electric vehicle manufacturing.
“For years, we have been exporting our minerals unprocessed, fueling foreign industrial growth. This must change.”
“We are shifting towards local processing to enhance Nigeria’s progress. Given our lithium reserves, we aspire to see local production of electric vehicles and their batteries,” he remarked.
In response, Ambassador Dunhai showed his backing for Nigeria’s local value-addition strategy, emphasizing that one of President Xi Jinping’s main focuses is the promotion of industrialization in Africa.
“We are laying plans for the establishment of electric vehicle factories along with other manufacturing initiatives in Nigeria.”
“Chinese enterprises are already significantly engaged in Nigeria’s mining activities, from exploration to processing.”
“Our goal is to enhance this partnership, particularly regarding President Tinubu’s priority areas, especially economic diversification through solid minerals,” he added.
The ambassador noted that the embassy and Chinese authorities always advise companies working in Nigeria to follow regulations, implement Corporate Social Responsibility, and maintain environmental and safety compliance. He underscored that there is a strict policy against illegal mining, illustrating their commitment to collaborating with Nigerian authorities to address any misconduct.
In reaction, Alake expressed Nigeria’s appreciation for its enduring partnership with China, admitting that most Chinese businesses operate within legal parameters.
However, he voiced concern over the actions of a small number of individuals that damage China’s reputation, referencing a recent viral incident involving a Chinese national purportedly bribing local security personnel.
“We have taken steps against illegal operators, including some from China. Although rare, these incidents tarnish the positive contributions of many responsible Chinese businesses. We need your collaboration to ensure justice is served,” the minister insisted.
He also pointed out the effectiveness of the Mining Marshals, created to tackle illegal mining, stating that they have raised awareness, sent a strong message within the sector, and improved regulatory compliance among both local and international stakeholders.
