Chinese investors to establish EV plants in Nigeria
China has promised to encourage its investors to establish electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing plants in Nigeria.
Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, made this when he visited Solid Minerals Development Minister, Dr. Dele Alake, in Abuja at the weekend.
Alake had, in his welcome speech, urged Dunhai to advise Chinese investors to commit to full-cycle investments—from extraction to processing—within Nigeria.
The minister pointed out that Nigeria’s large market and the need to reduce reliance on fossil fuels in the country through EVs made the request necessary.
The Ambassador stated that the establishment of EV factories by Chinese investors would further enhance the collaboration between China and Nigeria, especially in the solid minerals sector.
Recalling a recent high-level engagement between Presidents Bola Tinubu and Xi Jinping in China, Dunhai noted that both leaders agreed to elevate the relations between their countries through new opportunities.
The Ambassador was quoted by Segun Tomori, special assistant on Media to Dr Alake, as saying: “President Xi mentioned that we would like to promote industrialisation for African countries and modernisation of the Agriculture sector.
‘’So, we would like to have more added value locally. We would also like to have Chinese electric vehicles to open factories here. I’ve met with the Chief Executive Officer of NASENI (National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure), Khalil Halilu. We are working to bring several Chinese vehicle brands to Nigeria to have them produce locally.
“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 (Bola Ahmed) Tinubu’s eight priority areas, notably economic diversification through solid minerals.”
The Ambassador, who noted that Nigeria was blessed with enormous natural resources, added that China had always placed the country in a strategic position in its foreign policy.
Dunhai also said the embassy had always admonished Chinese companies in Nigeria to abide by rules and regulations, implement Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and adhere to environmental and safety standards.
He added that since China has zero tolerance for illegal mining, it would join Nigeria to bring suspects to justice.
Alake, who had also acknowledged that most Chinese firms operate within legal and regulatory frameworks, expressed concern over the actions of a few operators tarnishing China’s image.
He referred to a recent viral video involving Chinese nationals openly distributing money to Nigerian security agents.
“We’ve 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,” said the minister.
Highlighting the impact of the mining marshals established to combat illegal mining, he reiterated that Nigeria was open for business to serious investors.
