China has revealed plans to establish electric vehicle factories and other manufacturing ventures in Nigeria.
This was disclosed by Yu Dunhai, Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, during a courtesy visit to Dele Alake, Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, in his office.
Emphasising the need for strengthened collaboration between China and Nigeria, he explained the importance of harnessing the potential of Nigeria’s solid minerals sector by establishing electric vehicle factories in Nigeria.
Dunchai also spoke on Nigeria’s position in its foreign policy, stating that the country is blessed with immense natural resources.
He recalled the high-level discussion between both countries’ leaders during President Tinubu’s visit to China, where they both agreed to elevate bilateral relations to ensure a strategic partnership that creates opportunities for the countries.
According to a statement by the Minister’s Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori, on Sunday, China plans to establish electric vehicle factories in Nigeria.
Alake stated that Nigeria is open to investment from serious investors, as investment in the nation’s mining industry is now focused on adding value to the locality. He urged the ambassador to encourage Chinese investors to commit to a full-cycle investment, which covers from extraction to processing in Nigeria.
Alake also stressed Nigeria’s prioritisation of local processing to ensure the country’s development. While noting the country’s abundance of lithium, he highlighted the plan to reduce reliance on fossil fuels through the production of electric vehicles.
Alake appreciated China’s long relationship with Nigeria while acknowledging the law-abiding manner of Chinese firms as they abide by Nigeria’s rules and regulations.
However, he raised concerns over the actions of some Chinese nationals tarnishing the image of China.
He noted that appropriate legal actions have been taken against such defiance while urging the Chinese government to ensure justice is served.
