The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, has advocated for improved partnership between China and Nigeria to unlock the potential of Nigeria’s Solid Minerals sector via the establishment of electric vehicle factories in Nigeria.
He recently said this while paying a courtesy visit to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, in his office.
Speaking at the visit, Yu Dunhai simply emphasised the importance of closer ties between both nations in advancing Nigeria’s industrial growth.
According to him, Nigeria is a massive nation that is blessed with amazing natural resources, and it is for that reason that China has always placed the country in a very pivotal position in its foreign policy.
Highlighting the recent high-level engagement between Presidents Bola Tinubu and Xi Jinping during Tinubu’s state visit to China, Yu confirmed that both leaders agreed to upgrade their relations into a comprehensive strategic partnership, which will further aid the creation of new opportunities that will benefit citizens of both nations.
Reacting, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, disclosed plans by China to establish electric vehicle factories in Nigeria, stressing that Nigeria is open for business to serious investors.
Dele stated that investments in the country’s mining industry are now focused on local value addition, pointing out Nigeria’s large market and the potential to reduce reliance on fossil fuels through electric vehicle production.
He then urged Ambassador Yu to encourage Chinese investors to further commit to full-cycle investments, from extraction to processing, within the country.
“For years, our minerals have been exported raw to fuel foreign industrialisation. That must change.
We now prioritise local processing to drive Nigeria’s development. For instance, with the abundance of lithium, we want to see local manufacturing of electric vehicles and batteries.
We have taken action against illegal operators, including some Chinese nationals. While isolated, such incidents undermine the good work of many compliant Chinese firms. We need your cooperation in ensuring that such culprits are brought to justice,” he said.
Responding, Yu pledged support for Nigeria’s local value-addition policy, reiterating that one of President Xi Jinping’s key priorities is promoting African industrialisation.
“Plans are underway to establish electric vehicle factories and other manufacturing ventures in Nigeria.
Chinese companies are already deeply involved in Nigeria’s mining sector, from exploration to processing.
We aim to deepen this collaboration, especially in line with President Tinubu’s eight priority areas, notably economic diversification through solid mineral,” he added.
