“Chinese companies have become major investors in Nigeria’s mining sector since the mid-2000s, attracted by Nigeria’s large promising mineral endowment.”
*Photo: Dr Dele Alake*
ADDRESS BY THE HONOURABLE MINISTER OF SOLID MINERALS DEVELOPMENT, FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA, DR. OLADELE HENRY ALAKE, AT THE CHINA MINING 2025 CONFERENCE, TIANJIN, PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA, FROM 23-25 OCTOBER 2025.
THEME: “Connect and Collaborate, Co-Build and Co-Share”
Protocols:
• Your Excellencies, Honourable Ministers of Mining and Mineral Resources,
• Distinguished Delegates, Captains of Industry, Development Partners,
• Esteemed Representatives of the People’s Republic of China,
• Ladies and Gentlemen,
ZHAO SHANG HOW ( Good Morning)
It is with great honour that I convey warm greetings from the Government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. On behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, I deeply appreciate the Government of the People’s Republic of China and the organizers of the CHINA MINING Conference for the kind invitation to participate in this globally significant forum.
The theme of this year’s conference, “Connect and Collaborate, Co-Build and Co-Share”, eloquently captures the essence of multilateral co-operation, mutual growth, and shared prosperity that rules our world today. Around the world, we are witnessing a shift, from resource extraction to value creation, from competition to collaboration, and from linear exploitation to circular, sustainable development.
For us in Nigeria, this philosophy resonates strongly with our ongoing efforts to transform our solid minerals sector into a model of collaboration, sustainability, and inclusive growth.
2. REVIEW OF NIGERIA -CHINA TRADE AND INVESTMENT RELATIONS IN THE SOLID
MINERALS SECTOR
Chinese companies have become major investors in Nigeria’s mining sector since the mid-2000s, attracted by Nigeria’s large promising mineral endowment, low production costs, and strategic access to West African resources. Investment has focused on coal, iron ore, lead/zinc, gold, limestone, lithium, barite, and recently critical minerals such as rare earths like nobium.
Major Chinese entrants began after Nigeria’s 2006 mining reform that led to the enactment of the Nigerian Minerals & Mining Act 2007 and accelerated in the 2010s. Prominent Chinese firms, mainly state –owned entities which led the way include the China Nonferrous Metal Mining Group (CNMC), China Geo-Engineering Corporation, African China Mining and several privately owned Chinese mining contractors and traders.
The milestones in this mineral rush into Nigeria include Chinese Investment in Kagara Zinc Mine, (2011), the partnership between Thor exploration and Segilola in gold mining, (2019), Acquisition of gold mining rights by China Gold International Resources, (2020); CNMC signed MOUs and exploration/production agreements for iron-ore and base metals worth $50-$200 million per large deposits in Kogi and Kwara states; Chinese companies barite and lead zinc concessions in Nasarawa, Benue and Zamfara states; Chinese involvement in Enugu and Kogi coal projects (exploration and mine rehabilitation), including equipment supply and EPC contracts worth $10–$80 million per project phase.
Since September 2023, when I assumed office, Chinese companies such as Canmax Technology, Jiuling Lithium, Avatar New Energy Nigeria Company, Asba have invested over $1.3 billion in lithium processing. The investments have helped Nigeria to diversify the economy, reduce dependency on oil, attract infrastructures, technology transfer and expertise. Joint Ventures between Chinese and Nigerian companies in the mining sector often enhance local capabilities and skills among Nigerian workers and engineers. As at today, not less than 327 mineral titles in Nigeria are owned by various Chinese companies.
In recognition of the increasing role of the Peoples Republic of China, our President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu was here on state visit on September 3, 2024 and to attend the Beijing Summit on the Forum on China-Africa Co-operation, (FOCAC). It is significant that Paragraph 5 of the Joint Statement issued by both countries states, inter alia:
“Nigeria is willing to strengthen its partnership with China in the development of energy and mineral resources and to work with Chinese companies to set up plants in Nigeria to meet local consumption and export needs.”
Even before the ink dried on the statement, President Tinubu set up the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership and appointed seasoned development guru in the person of Joseph Tegbe as the Director-General to demonstrate the priority he gave to the outcome of the bilateral consensus. I am glad to announce that the NCSP has successfully secured over $20 billion investment commitments from China.
POSITIONING THE NIGERIA’S SOLID MINERALS SECTOR FOR INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIVENESS
Nigeria views the mining sector as a critical enabler of economic diversification and industrialization. Over the past few years, we have undertaken major policy and institutional reforms designed to promote transparency, investor confidence, and shared value creation.
1. INSTITUTIONAL STRENGTHENING AND POLICY REFORMS
Through the establishment of key institutions such as the Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF) and the Nigeria Geological Survey Agency (NGSA), we have deepened the availability of geological data, improved governance in licensing, and strengthened our investment environment. These reforms are supported by international collaborations with partners including the World Bank, European Union, and various national geological agencies.
2. NIGERIA AND THE BELT AND ROAD INITIATIVE
Over the years, China-Nigeria relations have stood at the forefront of China-Africa relations. Nigeria is indeed proud to be part of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) championed by China, a platform that promotes connectivity, infrastructure development, and people-centred o-operation across continents. Last year, the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development had the honour of participating in the Belt and Road Conference in China, where we reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to working with China and other partner countries to deepen cooperation in mining, energy transition minerals, and infrastructure development.
Our participation in the BRI complements this year’s CHINA MINING theme. It reflects our belief that through genuine collaboration, we can co-build the foundations of sustainable development and co-share the benefits of global prosperity.
3. SUSTAINABILITY
In line with global trends, Nigeria is embedding sustainability and community inclusion in its mining agenda. We are formalizing artisanal and small-scale mining, promoting local content, and ensuring that mining contributes to national development while preserving our environment.
4. INVITATION TO PARTNERS AND INVESTORS
We warmly invite investors, development partners, and technical institutions to explore Nigeria’s vast opportunities in minerals such as lithium, gold, lead-zinc, barite, and rare earth elements. Our government offers a conducive investment climate, improved security of tenure, and incentives that guarantee mutual benefit.
Nigeria’s vision is not only to extract minerals but to build a globally competitive value chain that supports clean energy transition, job creation, and industrial growth, all within the framework of responsible mining.
CONCLUSION
As we gather under the inspiring theme “Connect and Collaborate, Co-Build and Co- Share”, Nigeria stands ready to strengthen ties with China and all partner nations under the Belt and Road framework. We believe that through collaboration, innovation, and shared commitment, we can co-create a mining future that uplifts our people and safeguards our planet.
Let us continue to build bridges of co-operation that transcend borders, advance knowledge, and ensure that no nation is left behind in the pursuit of sustainable prosperity.
On behalf of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I reaffirm our commitment to deepening bilateral and multilateral cooperation with China and all participating nations. Together, we can transform the promise of mineral wealth into lasting prosperity for our people.
Thank you for your attention.
Long live the partnership between Nigeria and China!
Long live the Belt and Road Cooperation!!
Long live international collaboration in mining!!!
