Yu Dunhai, the Chinese ambassador to Nigeria, has revealed that China is planning to set up electric vehicle (EV) factories and other manufacturing initiatives in Nigeria.
Gatekeepers News reports that Segun Tomori, media aide to Dele Alake, Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, noted in a statement on Sunday that Dunhai made this known during a courtesy visit to the minister.
Dunhai highlighted the importance of enhancing cooperation between both countries, particularly in leveraging Nigeria’s solid mineral resources to establish EV manufacturing plants.
The ambassador noted that Nigeria is richly endowed with natural resources and remains a key focus in China’s foreign policy agenda.
Referencing the meeting between Presidents Bola Tinubu and Xi Jinping during Tinubu’s recent trip to China, Dunhai said both leaders had agreed to elevate bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership.
He said, “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 minerals.”
Dunhai stated that the Chinese embassy has advised Chinese companies in Nigeria to comply with national laws, fulfill corporate social responsibilities, and maintain environmental and safety standards.
Stressing China’s zero-tolerance stance on illegal mining, he affirmed their willingness to collaborate with Nigerian authorities to prosecute offenders.
In response, Minister Alake appreciated the longstanding Nigeria-China relationship and acknowledged that many Chinese companies operate within legal boundaries.
However, he raised concerns about the conduct of a few rogue operators, citing a recent viral video showing a Chinese national allegedly attempting to bribe local security personnel.
Alake reaffirmed Nigeria’s openness to credible investors, noting a strategic shift toward local value addition in mining.
He said, “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.”
The minister urged Dunhai to encourage Chinese investors to commit to full-cycle investments from extraction to processing within Nigeria.
