*Kwara State Government with Chinese investors at a recent MOU signing between both parties
The Chinese Embassy in Nigeria has rejected allegations linking Chinese mining companies to illegal mining activities and the funding of terrorism in Nigeria, describing the claims as false, “completely baseless” and damaging to China-Nigeria relations.
In a press statement on Thursday, the embassy said a bill introduced by “certain U.S. congressmen” had “groundlessly accused China of engaging in illegal mining operations in Nigeria and paying protection money to specific militia groups.”
The embassy also criticised media reports for amplifying the bill and escalating the claims, adding that some outlets went further to fabricate narratives it described as harmful.
The embassy stated that China has consistently required Chinese companies and citizens overseas to comply with the laws and regulations of host countries, noting that businesses operating in Nigeria are expected to function within Nigerian legal frameworks. It described the allegations as baseless and urged the media to stop spreading false information.
The statement reads, “Some media reported on this bill and fabricated such rumors as ‘Chinese mining companies funding terrorism’. These accusations are completely baseless. We express our firm opposition and strong dissatisfaction and request that the relevant media immediately cease spreading such false information.
“The Chinese Embassy has consistently required Chinese companies and citizens overseas to strictly abide by the laws and regulations of the host country, to operate lawfully and compliantly, and to show zero tolerance toward any enterprise involved in illegal or criminal activities,” the statement said.
“The overwhelming majority of Chinese mining companies in Nigeria have set an exemplary record of compliance with Nigerian laws and regulations. They actively give back to local communities, fulfill their social responsibilities, protect the natural environment, and have made positive contributions to deepening bilateral mining cooperation, supporting local economic development, and creating employment opportunities,” the statement added.
The embassy further stated that most Chinese mining companies in Nigeria have maintained compliance with Nigerian laws while contributing to local communities, supporting economic development and creating employment opportunities.
On governance, it said China respects Nigeria’s sovereignty and supports efforts to strengthen mining regulation in line with the law, adding that it maintains communication and cooperation with relevant Nigerian authorities.
It also stressed that Chinese mining enterprises in Nigeria have been victims of terrorist activities and expressed willingness to cooperate with the Nigerian government’s efforts to safeguard national security.
The embassy added that China remains ready to deepen cooperation with Nigeria in the mining sector and strengthen governance to promote sustainable development of China-Nigeria mining cooperation.
The statement, however, urged relevant parties to stop spreading rumours and slander, warning that such narratives could undermine cooperation and damage relations between both countries.
