Nigeria Raises Concerns Over Illegal Chinese Mining Activities Ahead of President’s G20 Visit
Nigeria, a country invited to the G20 summit, is preparing to assert its presence within the Group of 20. In an unconventional step, Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed dissatisfaction to the Chinese embassy in Abuja regarding the presence of Chinese companies engaging in illegal mining activities within Nigerian states. The ministry has cautioned that if these Chinese companies persist in violating Nigerian laws, the government will be compelled to take decisive action against them.
According to sources, Chinese companies operating in Nigerian states such as Niger, Zamfara, and Edo have been implicated in illegal mining activities. This issue gained attention in July when 13 Chinese nationals working for W Mining Global Service Ltd, a Chinese company allegedly involved in illegal mining, were apprehended by Nigerian authorities. Additionally, the managing director of another company was also arrested for illegal possession of an assortment of minerals.
Leonard Otuonye Ugbajah, Executive Director of the Centre for Trade and Business Environment Advocacy (CTBA) and Resident Representative of CUTS International, Abuja, highlighted the historical exploitation of Africa by various global powers, including China. He emphasized the importance of African leaders safeguarding the interests of their people and working towards redefining the continent’s engagement with the rest of the world.
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has the distinction of being the first foreign leader to arrive for the G20 summit. The purpose of his visit is to promote Nigeria as an attractive investment destination, showcasing his reform plan, the Renewed Hope Agenda, with a focus on job creation and revenue expansion.
During the G20 summit, President Tinubu is expected to articulate Nigeria’s stance on the theme ‘One Earth-One Family-One Future’, emphasizing the global unity required to address the challenges facing humanity and the planet.
India’s significance as a trading partner of Nigeria was evident in 2022, with Indian companies having a longstanding presence in the country. India has also emerged as a development partner, providing developmental assistance through concessional loans and capacity building training programmes. The defence partnership between India and Nigeria is robust, with several Nigerian heads of state from military backgrounds having undergone training in Indian military colleges.
This move by Nigeria to address the illegal mining issue demonstrates the country’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and promoting ethical business practices. As President Tinubu participates in the G20 summit, it is anticipated that his visit will not only bolster Nigeria’s reputation as an investment hub but also pave the way for meaningful discussions on fostering global solidarity and addressing pressing global challenges.
