By Abbas Nazil
China is set to establish electric vehicle (EV) factories in Nigeria, signaling a deepening of economic and industrial ties between both countries.
This development emerged following a courtesy visit by the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Yu Dunhai, to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, where discussions focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation, particularly in the solid minerals sector.
During the visit, Ambassador Dunhai emphasized the strategic importance of Nigeria to China’s foreign policy and reaffirmed China’s commitment to expanding investments in Nigeria.
He highlighted the recent engagement between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and President Xi Jinping during Tinubu’s state visit to China, where both leaders agreed to elevate relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership.
The ambassador stated that Chinese companies are already actively engaged in various stages of Nigeria’s mining sector, from exploration to processing, and expressed optimism about deeper collaboration aligned with President Tinubu’s economic diversification agenda, especially through solid minerals.
In alignment with Nigeria’s vision of moving from raw mineral exportation to local industrialization, the Chinese envoy revealed that concrete plans are underway to establish EV factories and related manufacturing ventures in Nigeria.
He also assured the minister of China’s support for Nigeria’s local value-addition policy, which is in line with President Xi’s priority of promoting African industrialization.
Ambassador Dunhai stressed that the Chinese government encourages its companies operating in Nigeria to adhere strictly to local laws, implement Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), and follow environmental and safety standards.
He affirmed that China maintains a zero-tolerance stance on illegal mining and is ready to cooperate with Nigerian authorities to prosecute violators.
Responding, Dr. Dele Alake welcomed the announcement and expressed Nigeria’s appreciation for its long-standing relationship with China.
He acknowledged that many Chinese firms operate within legal frameworks but raised concerns over a few operators involved in illegal activities.
Citing a recent viral video showing a Chinese national allegedly bribing security personnel, the minister stressed the importance of collaboration in curbing such misconduct and commended Chinese authorities for their readiness to bring offenders to justice.
Dr. Alake also highlighted the impact of the newly established Mining Marshals in curbing illegal mining activities, stating that their presence has significantly raised compliance levels among operators.
He reiterated Nigeria’s openness to credible investors and urged Chinese companies to invest in the full value chain—from mineral extraction to local processing and manufacturing—underscoring Nigeria’s potential for EV production due to its abundant lithium resources and large consumer market.
The meeting underscored a mutual commitment to strengthening economic cooperation through sustainable and value-driven partnerships.
