By Ladi
Abuja, June 11, 2025- The Embassy of China in Nigeria has issued a statement addressing recent reports from certain Nigerian media that misinterpret a post from the official X (formerly Twitter) account of the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria.
The reports claimed that the “U.S. condemns Chinese exploitation of Nigeria’s natural resources via illegal mining” and comments surrounding the prosecution of Chinese nationals involved in illegal mining activities in Nigeria.
The Chinese Embassy strongly refutes these claims, labeling them as a “grave distortion of facts” and a display of “unprofessional journalism.”
In a formal statement, the Embassy called for an immediate end to the dissemination of such misinformation, emphasising the importance of accurate media representation.
Regarding allegations surrounding the involvement of Chinese citizens in illegal mining, the Embassy reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that Chinese companies and citizens in Nigeria adhere to the host country’s laws and regulations.
The statement highlighted that the vast majority of Chinese mining companies operate legally, contributing positively to local communities by engaging in corporate social responsibilities and environmental protection efforts.
The Embassy further noted that these companies play a critical role in enhancing China-Nigerian mining corporation, supporting local economic development, and creating job opportunities.
To strengthen legal compliance, Chinese mining companies established a Mining Federation in Nigeria, which translates local mining laws into Chinese and facilitates training sessions for management teams on lawful operations.
“We respect Nigeria’s sovereignty and its initiatives to improve mining governance,” the statement read, emphasising the Embassy’s ongoing collaboration with Nigerian authorities.
The Chinese Embassy also addressed the complex causes of illegal mining, stating that some Chinese firms have fallen victim to fraudulent activities, inadvertently becoming embroiled in unlawful operations.
Moreover, the Embassy expressed its willingness to collaborate with Nigerian officials to enhance mining cooperation and bolster a sustainable development partnership between China and Nigeria.
The statement urged all stakeholders, including media and diplomatic missions, to report on the activities of Chinese mining enterprises in a balanced and fair manner, ensuring that the contributions of the majority are neither generalised nor overshadowed by the actions of a few.
