The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, has announced plans to set up electric vehicle factories and other manufacturing projects in Nigeria.

He shared this during a recent bilateral meeting with the Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr. Dele Alake.

This is contained in a statement by Alake’s Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori, on Sunday in Abuja.

Tomori stated that the ambassador emphasized the importance of deeper collaboration between China and Nigeria to harness the potential of Nigeria’s solid minerals sector through the establishment of electric vehicle factories.

He added that the ambassador expressed support for Nigeria’s local value-addition policy, noting that one of President Xi Jinping’s key priorities is advancing Africa’s industralisation.

Mr. Dunhai noted that Nigeria and China have agreed to upgrade their bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership, opening new avenues for cooperation.

He recalled that President Bola Tinubu recently met with President Xi Jinping during a state visit to China to advance this objective.

Tomori quoted him saying “Chinese companies were 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.”

Responding to the Solid Minerals Minister’s concerns about the actions of a few operators tarnishing China’s image, the Chinese ambassador emphasized that the embassy and government have consistently promoted adherence to Nigerian laws.

He noted that Chinese companies in Nigeria have been directed to operate in full compliance with the country’s regulations.

Meanwhile, Alake noted that Nigeria possesses a large market and significant potential to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels by advancing electric vehicle production.

He also acknowledged the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and China, adding that most Chinese companies operate within the bounds of the law and regulatory standards.

He nonetheless raised concerns about the activities of a few operators, emphasizing that legal steps were underway to address the violations.

“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 reaffirmed Nigeria’s openness to genuine investors, emphasizing that investments in the country’s mining sector are centered on promoting local value addition.