China Mining Federation of Nigeria Debunks Allegations of Infiltration in Nigeria’s Solid Minerals Sector.

By Ferdinand Olise

The Embassy of China in Abuja has described as false, a media report claiming 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 fueling terrorist activities.

The Embassy via a statement issued by the China Mining Federation of Nigeria, noted the recirculation by certain media outlets of the report alleging the so-called Chinese infiltration of Nigeria’s Solid Minerals Sector, said the Federation thereby solemnly states 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.

According to the statement, while conducting business in compliance with the law, these companies actively cooperate with Nigerian government departments to strengthen mining governance, stressing that 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, which have not only boosted local employment, but also enabled Nigeria to retain greater added value, turning resource endowments into tangible development dividends.

The China Mining Federation of Nigeria therefore stated that the allegations that Chinese companies are fueling terrorism in Nigeria are completely unfounded, and it must be emphasized that Chinese mining companies in Nigeria have themselves been victims of terrorist activities, adding that they 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.

According to the Embassy, 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 the two countries.

The Federation therefore said that it 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 both countries.