The Federal Government has granted approval to China to set up electric vehicle (EV) factories in Nigeria as part of broader efforts to boost industrial development through strategic bilateral cooperation.
This was revealed during a courtesy visit by the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, in Abuja.
The ambassador underscored the need for deepened collaboration between the two nations, especially in harnessing Nigeria’s solid mineral wealth to drive electric vehicle manufacturing.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by Segun Tomori, the minister’s Special Assistant on Media, the ambassador disclosed China’s concrete plans to establish EV manufacturing plants in Nigeria.
Ambassador Dunhai praised Nigeria’s vast natural resource endowment and reaffirmed the country’s significance in China’s foreign policy agenda.
Recalling the recent engagement between President Bola Tinubu and President Xi Jinping during Tinubu’s state visit to China, the ambassador noted that both leaders agreed to elevate bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership, paving the way for deeper economic and industrial cooperation.
In his remarks, Dr. Alake stressed Nigeria’s readiness to welcome genuine foreign investors, particularly those aligned with the government’s focus on local value addition in the mining and manufacturing sectors.
He emphasized the country’s shift from raw mineral exportation to local processing, stating:
“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.”
He urged the Chinese envoy to encourage Chinese investors to fully integrate their operations—from mineral extraction to processing—within Nigeria’s borders, noting the immense potential of the local market and the push toward reducing fossil fuel dependence through EV adoption.
In response, Ambassador Dunhai voiced support for Nigeria’s localisation policy, noting that one of President Xi’s core foreign policy priorities is supporting 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 stated.
The ambassador also emphasized that the Chinese government consistently instructs its companies in Nigeria to comply with local laws, uphold Corporate Social Responsibility, and maintain environmental and safety standards.
He reiterated China’s zero tolerance for illegal mining, pledging full cooperation with Nigerian authorities to prosecute offenders.
In his response, Dr. Alake acknowledged Nigeria’s longstanding and productive relationship with China, affirming that most Chinese firms in the country operate legally. However, he raised concerns about the activities of a few rogue actors:
“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 also highlighted the positive impact of the newly introduced Mining Marshals, created to tackle illegal mining activities. He noted that their presence has significantly raised awareness and compliance among operators—both local and foreign.