The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, has emphasised the need for stronger collaboration between China and Nigeria, especially in developing Nigeria’s solid minerals sector. He made these remarks during a visit to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, highlighting plans for establishing electric vehicle factories in Nigeria.

Dunhai stressed that Nigeria, rich in natural resources, is a key player in China’s foreign policy. He referenced the recent meeting between Nigerian President Bola Tinubu and Chinese President Xi Jinping, where they reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing bilateral relations and creating new avenues for cooperation.

In his comments, Minister Alake welcomed foreign investment in Nigeria’s mining industry, particularly focusing on local value addition. He encouraged Ambassador Dunhai to promote full-cycle investments by Chinese companies, from mineral extraction to processing, to leverage Nigeria’s vast market and reduce dependence on fossil fuels through electric vehicle manufacturing.

Alake pointed out, “For years, our minerals have been exported raw to fuel foreign industrialisation. That must change. We now prioritise local processing to drive Nigeria’s development.” He specifically mentioned lithium, signalling strong interest in developing local electric vehicle and battery manufacturing.

Ambassador Dunhai expressed alignment with Nigeria’s local value addition strategy, highlighting that President Xi Jinping prioritises African industrialisation. He noted, “Plans are underway to establish electric vehicle factories and other manufacturing ventures in Nigeria.” He shared that Chinese firms are already active in Nigeria’s mining sector, encompassing exploration and processing phases.

Dunhai stated the Chinese government insists on compliance with local laws by its companies, emphasising Corporate Social Responsibility and environmental standards. There’s a strict no-tolerance policy towards illegal mining, and collaboration with the Nigerian government is seen as essential for addressing such issues.

Minister Alake acknowledged the positive relationship between Nigeria and China, noting most Chinese companies operate within legal parameters. Yet, he voiced concerns over the actions of a few individuals tarnishing the broader reputation of Chinese businesses, citing a recent incident involving a Chinese national allegedly bribing security personnel.

“We have taken action against illegal operators, including some Chinese nationals. While isolated incidents, they undermine the good efforts of many compliant Chinese firms,” Alake remarked. He also mentioned the formation of Mining Marshals, aimed at combatting illegal mining, which has successfully raised compliance awareness among both local and foreign operators.

The recent discussions between Nigeria and China mark a significant step towards establishing electric vehicle factories in Nigeria. Both nations recognise the potential for economic collaboration, primarily through local value addition in the mining sector. As China commits to investments that adhere to local regulations and corporate social responsibility, Nigeria remains open to foreign partnerships to foster its industrial growth, aiming for a sustainable future in electric vehicle production.

Original Source: punchng.com

The post China and Nigeria Partner to Establish Electric Vehicle Factories first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.

China is taking significant steps to establish electric vehicle (EV) factories in Nigeria, as highlighted by the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai. During a recent meeting with Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, the Ambassador pointed to the importance of enhancing cooperation to leverage Nigeria’s wealth of natural resources. He described the country as rich in potential and reaffirmed China’s commitment to strengthen bilateral ties.

Ambassador Dunhai underscored that recent discussions between Presidents Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Xi Jinping have set the stage for a more integrated partnership, which he termed a comprehensive strategic partnership. This agreement opens up various channels for collaboration, particularly in areas such as mining, where Chinese companies are already significantly involved. “We aim to deepen this collaboration, especially in line with President Tinubu’s eight priority areas,” he added, stressing the focus on economic diversification through solid minerals.

Moreover, he noted that the Chinese government is committed to promoting responsible practices among their companies in Nigeria. They are particularly focused on ensuring local compliance, implementing Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, and maintaining environmental standards. The Ambassador made it clear that illegal mining is not tolerated, and China is ready to assist Nigerian authorities in addressing this issue.

Dr Alake, while appreciating the long-standing relationship, raised concerns about a small number of Chinese operators who could undermine the reputation of compliant businesses. He referenced a recent scandal involving a Chinese national allegedly bribing security personnel. “We have taken action against illegal operators, including some Chinese nationals,” he noted, stressing the need for cooperation to bring these offenders to justice.

The Minister believes that recent measures, such as launching Mining Marshals to tackle illegal mining, have positively impacted the sector by improving compliance and educating stakeholders. He emphasized Nigeria’s openness to serious investors, with a shift from exporting raw materials towards promoting local processing and manufacturing, especially of electric vehicles and batteries, given the rich lithium reserves.

Dr Alake urged Ambassador Dunhai to influence Chinese investors to consider full-cycle investments in Nigeria, from mineral extraction to processing, to support the nation’s economic aspirations. He reiterated the urgency of this shift, stating, “Our minerals have been exported in raw form for too long—this must come to an end.”

In closing, Ambassador Dunhai welcomed Nigeria’s policies aimed at local value addition and mentioned that advancing African industrialisation is a priority for President Xi Jinping. He hinted that plans are already in the works for establishing electric vehicle manufacturing facilities within Nigeria, indicating a bright future for collaboration in the sector.

In summary, China aims to foster a stronger partnership with Nigeria, especially in developing electric vehicle manufacturing. With ongoing discussions between leaders and a commitment to responsible business practices, there’s potential for significant progress in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector. Both nations see the rise of local processing and manufacturing as key to economic development, paving the way for a more sustainable future.

Original Source: tribuneonlineng.com

The post China Plans Electric Vehicle Factories in Nigeria to Boost Collaboration first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.

China is set to ramp up its partnership with Nigeria by launching electric vehicle (EV) factories in the nation. This strategic move aims to harness Nigeria’s rich solid minerals sector. Yu Dunhai, the Chinese ambassador to Nigeria, flagged this during a recent visit and emphasised the wealth of natural resources Nigeria holds. He reaffirmed China’s commitment as a key partner in Nigeria’s development agenda.

The talks between Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu and Chinese President Xi Jinping, during Tinubu’s state visit to China, were productive and significantly strengthened bilateral relations. Dunhai mentioned that both governments agreed to elevate their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership. This aligns with plans for enhanced cooperation in multiple sectors.

Dunhai pointed out that Chinese companies are heavily engaged in various aspects of Nigeria’s mining sector. This ranges from exploration to processing. He stressed the intention to deepen collaboration further, aligning with Tinubu’s focus on economic diversification through solid minerals.

The ambassador assured the Nigerian government of China’s commitment to ensuring that its companies adhere to local laws and prioritise Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and safety standards. Notably, he added that China maintains a strict stance against illegal mining activities and is ready to assist in holding wrongdoers accountable.

In response, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, praised the ongoing relationship between Nigeria and China but raised concerns about the conduct of some operators. He referenced a troubling video that purportedly showed a Chinese national bribing local security forces, which risks tarnishing China’s image in Nigeria.

Alake mentioned that while most Chinese firms operate lawfully within Nigeria, there have been isolated incidents involving illegal operators. He stressed the government’s readiness to deal with such situations. Furthermore, the Mining Marshals have been established to combat illegal mining, and are successfully raising awareness and compliance among stakeholders.

The minister reiterated Nigeria’s openness to genuine investors, highlighting the current focus on adding local value to the mining sector. Alake pointed out that for years, Nigeria had exported raw minerals, but this is changing. The aim now is for local processing to spur development, particularly with lithium, which bodes well for local EV and battery manufacturing.

He urged Dunhai to encourage full-cycle investments from Chinese investors, covering all stages from extraction through to processing. Alake noted Nigeria’s vast market could significantly reduce dependence on fossil fuels, especially through domestic EV production.

In light of these discussions, Ambassador Dunhai expressed enthusiasm for Nigeria’s agenda on local value addition. He indicated that plans are in place to set up electric vehicle manufacturing facilities in Nigeria, signalling a noteworthy development in Nigeria’s industrial landscape and a linchpin for economic diversification.

China aims to solidify its partnership with Nigeria by establishing electric vehicle factories, tapping into the country’s rich mineral resources. This initiative comes on the heels of high-level discussions between the two nations, focusing on economic diversification and local value addition. While the relationship is generally strong, concerns over illegal activities must be addressed to ensure compliance and enhance China’s reputation in Nigeria’s mining sector. Overall, the move reflects Nigeria’s push towards industrialisation and reducing fossil fuel reliance through local production.

Original Source: businessday.ng

The post China to Boost Electric Vehicle Production in Nigeria Amid Mineral Riches first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.