Nigeria and China to Collaborate on Electric Vehicle Production, Strengthening Solid Minerals Sector

Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, has called for intensified collaboration between China and Nigeria to unlock the potential of Nigeria’s solid minerals sector through the establishment of electric vehicle factories.

Speaking during a courtesy visit to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, Ambassador Dunhai stressed the importance of closer ties to advance Nigeria’s industrial development. A statement from the minister’s Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori, disclosed China’s plans to establish EV manufacturing plants in Nigeria.

Ambassador Dunhai described Nigeria as a country blessed with abundant natural resources and noted China’s strategic focus on Nigeria in its foreign policy. He referenced the recent high-level meeting between Presidents Bola Tinubu and Xi Jinping, where both leaders agreed to elevate bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

Minister Alake reiterated Nigeria’s openness to serious investors, emphasizing a shift towards local value addition in mining. “For years, our minerals have been exported raw to fuel foreign industrialisation. That must change,” he said. “We want to see local manufacturing of electric vehicles and batteries, especially given our lithium reserves.”

The ambassador expressed support for Nigeria’s local value-addition policy, revealing that Chinese companies are already deeply involved in mining exploration and processing. “Plans are underway to establish electric vehicle factories and other manufacturing ventures in Nigeria,” he said.

He also assured that Chinese firms are expected to comply with Nigerian laws, environmental standards, and corporate social responsibility, with zero tolerance for illegal mining. Dr. Alake acknowledged the positive role of most Chinese companies but raised concerns about a few illegal operators, urging joint efforts to bring them to justice.

The minister also praised the Mining Marshals for their effectiveness in combating illegal mining and improving sector compliance.