The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, says China is planning to establish electric vehicle factories in Nigeria.
Speaking during a courtesy visit to Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, in Abuja, Yu Dunhai said that the establishment of the factories would further enhance trade cooperation between the two countries.
According to the statement by Segun Tomori, the Special Assistant to the Nigerian Minister, the Chinese envoy described Nigeria as a great country blessed with tremendous natural resources and that China has always placed Nigeria in a very pivotal position in its foreign policy.
The ambassador said the collaboration between China and Nigeria would also enable China to harness the potential of Nigeria’s Solid Minerals sector,
He recalled the recent state visit to China by Nigerian President Bola Tinubu and his high-level engagement with Chinese leader, Xi Jinping and that both leaders agreed to elevate bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership, creating new opportunities for cooperation.
He explained that China has consistently regarded Nigeria as a key partner in its foreign policy.
In his remarks, the minister stated that Nigeria had always been open to serious investors and that investments in the mining sector are now directed towards local value addition.
He advised the ambassador to encourage Chinese investors to engage in full-cycle investments, from extraction to processing.
“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. For instance, with the abundance of lithium, we want to see local manufacturing of electric vehicles and batteries,” local media reports quoted Alake as saying.
In his speech, the envoy expressed support for Nigeria’s local value-addition policy, pointing out that one of President Xi Jinping’s key priorities is promoting African industrialisation.
“Plans are underway to establish electric vehicle factories and other manufacturing ventures in Nigeria.
“Chinese companies are already deeply involved in Nigeria’s mining sector, from exploration to processing.
“We aim to deepen this collaboration, especially in line with President Tinubu’s eight priority areas, notably economic diversification through solid minerals,” he added.
Responding, Dr. Alake conveyed Nigeria’s appreciation for its enduring relationship with China, adding that that the majority of Chinese companies in Nigeria operate within the established legal and regulatory frameworks.
“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 said.
GIK/APA