China has expressed interest in establishing electric vehicle factories and other manufacturing ventures in Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, said, as reported by the Nigerian News Agency.
The ambassador revealed this during a recent discussion with Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr. Dele Alake, emphasizing the need for greater collaboration between China and Nigeria to unlock the potential of Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.
He expressed support for Nigeria’s local value-addition policy, noting that one of President Xi Jinping’s key priorities is promoting Africa’s industrialization.
Ambassador Dunhai stated that the leaders of Nigeria and China agreed to elevate bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership aimed at creating new opportunities for cooperation.
He recalled that President Bola Tinubu and President Jinping held high-level talks during Tinubu’s state visit to China, pursuing that goal. “Chinese companies are already deeply involved in Nigeria’s mining sector, from exploration to processing,” the ambassador said.
“We aim to deepen this collaboration, especially in line with President Tinubu’s eight priority areas, notably economic diversification through solid minerals.”
Dr. Dele Alake noted that Nigeria has a large market and the potential to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels through electric vehicle production. He acknowledged the long-standing relations between Nigeria and China, stating that most Chinese firms operate within legal and regulatory frameworks.
However, he expressed concerns over the actions of a few operators, stating that legal actions are being taken to address such situations. “We have 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,” the minister added.
He reiterated that Nigeria is open to business for serious investors, stating that investments in the nation’s mining industry remain focused on local value addition.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
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