Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai has underscored the need for enhanced collaboration between China and Nigeria. The collaboration is to unlock Nigeria’s potential in the minerals sector through the creation of electric vehicle factories in Nigeria.
Dunhai revealed this in a visit to the minister of solid minerals development, Dele Alake, in his office, on Sunday. Similarly, the Chinese Ambassador emphasizes the importance of closer ties between both nations in advancing Nigeria’s industrial growth.
According to him, China has always placed Nigeria in a very pivotal position in its foreign collaboration due to its huge natural resources. More so, he notes that China has endorsed the elevation of bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership, creating opportunities for cooperation.
Speaking on the matter, the minister of minerals development reaffirms that the country is open for business to serious investors. He adds that investing in the nation’s mining industry adds value and development to the nation.
Alake also urges the ambassador to encourage chinese investors to commit to full-cycle investments, from extraction to processing, within Nigeria. He points out the country’s large market and the potential to reduce reliance on fossil fuels through electric vehicle production.
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The minister continued that Nigeria now prioritizes local processing to drive the country’s development. Furthermore, he expressed that with the abundance of lithium, there should be local manufacturing of electric vehicles and batteries.
Reacting to this, Dunhai expresses support for Nigeria’s local value-addition policy, noting that African industrialization is a priority for China. He adds that plans are ongoing to establish electric vehicles and other manufacturing ventures in Nigeria.
The Minister in his response expressed concern over the actions of operators bribing local security agents, jeopardizing China’s image. Alake asserts that Chinese cooperation is needed to take action against illegal operators and bring them to justice.
