The Chinese government has announced plans to establish electric vehicle (EV) factories in Nigeria as part of a broader strategy to deepen cooperation in the solid minerals sector and support the country’s industrialisation agenda.
Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, made the disclosure during a courtesy visit to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, in Abuja over the weekend.
Dunhai stressed the need for stronger China-Nigeria collaboration to harness Nigeria’s vast mineral resources and promote economic diversification, particularly through investments in the EV value chain.
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“Nigeria is a great country blessed with abundant natural resources. China considers Nigeria a key partner in Africa, and we are ready to work more closely in areas aligned with President Tinubu’s economic priorities, including solid minerals development,” he said.
Dunhai highlighted the recent diplomatic engagement between Presidents Bola Tinubu and Xi Jinping during Tinubu’s state visit to China, which elevated bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership.
He noted that Chinese companies are already active in Nigeria’s mining sector and are prepared to expand their investments, particularly in line with Nigeria’s push for local value addition.
The ambassador also reaffirmed China’s zero-tolerance stance on illegal mining, noting that Chinese authorities have urged their firms to comply with Nigerian laws, uphold environmental and safety standards, and implement corporate social responsibility.
“We are committed to cooperating with the Nigerian government to sanction any firm or individual involved in illegal operations,” he stated.
Reacting, Alake welcomed the move, describing the proposed EV manufacturing investment as a step towards reversing decades of raw mineral exports and stimulating domestic industrial growth.
“For too long, Nigeria’s minerals have been exported without processing. That must stop. With our abundant lithium reserves, we want investors who will not only mine but also process and manufacture electric vehicles and batteries locally,” he said.
The minister also noted that Nigeria has strengthened enforcement through the recently established Mining Marshals, which have significantly improved compliance across the sector and deterred illegal operators.
While commending most Chinese firms for their compliance, Alake referenced a recent viral video showing a Chinese national allegedly bribing security officials.
He assured that the government is taking firm action to ensure accountability, regardless of nationality.
Alake urged China to support Nigeria’s vision for a fully integrated mining sector by encouraging investors to commit to complete value chains—from exploration to final product manufacturing—within the country.
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In response, Dunhai expressed support for Nigeria’s local value-addition policy and revealed that plans are already underway to establish EV factories and related manufacturing projects in Nigeria, in alignment with China’s commitment to African industrialisation.
