China denies US claims of illegal mining, terror funding in Nigeria

By Favour Ulebor, Abuja

The Chinese Embassy in Nigeria has rejected allegations linking Chinese mining companies to illegal mining activities and the funding of terrorism in Nigeria, describing the claims as false, baseless and damaging to China-Nigeria relations.

In a press statement reaching Vanguard, Thursday, the embassy said a bill introduced by “certain U.S. congressmen” had “groundlessly accused China of engaging in illegal mining operations in Nigeria and paying protection money to specific militia groups.”

The embassy also faulted media reports, saying they amplified the bill and escalated the claims, adding that some outlets went further to fabricate what it described as damaging narratives.

It said China has consistently required Chinese companies and citizens overseas to comply strictly with the laws and regulations of host countries, insisting that Chinese businesses operating in Nigeria are expected to operate within Nigerian legal frameworks.

The embassy described the allegations as completely baseless and urged the media to immediately stop spreading false information.

The statement reads, “Some media reported on this bill and fabricated such rumors as ‘Chinese mining companies funding terrorism’. These accusations are completely baseless. We express our firm opposition and strong dissatisfaction and request that the relevant media immediately cease spreading such false information.

“The Chinese Embassy has consistently required Chinese companies and citizens overseas to strictly abide by the laws and regulations of the host country, to operate lawfully and compliantly, and to show zero tolerance toward any enterprise involved in illegal or criminal activities,” the statement said.

“The overwhelming majority of Chinese mining companies in Nigeria have set an exemplary record of compliance with Nigerian laws and regulations.

“They actively give back to local communities, fulfill their social responsibilities, protect the natural environment, and have made positive contributions to deepening bilateral mining cooperation, supporting local economic development, and creating employment opportunities,” the statement added.

It further stated that the overwhelming majority of Chinese mining companies in Nigeria have maintained a record of compliance with Nigerian laws and regulations, while also contributing to local communities, supporting economic development and creating employment opportunities.

On governance, the embassy said China respects Nigeria’s sovereignty and supports Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen mining regulation in line with the law, adding that it maintains close communication and cooperation with relevant Nigerian authorities.

The embassy stressed that Chinese mining enterprises in Nigeria have also been victims of terrorist activities, and said they are willing to cooperate with the Nigerian government’s efforts to safeguard national security.

It added that China remains ready to deepen cooperation with Nigeria in the mining sector and strengthen governance to promote healthy, orderly and sustainable development of China-Nigeria mining cooperation.

The embassy urged relevant parties to stop spreading rumours and slander, warning that such narratives could undermine China-Nigeria friendly cooperation and damage the friendship between both countries.

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