The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, has emphasized the need for deeper cooperation between Nigeria and China in harnessing Nigeria’s solid minerals sector—specifically through the establishment of electric vehicle (EV) factories within the country.
During a courtesy visit to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, Ambassador Dunhai reiterated China’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s industrial transformation by leveraging its vast natural resources. The visit was confirmed in a statement issued on Sunday by the Minister’s Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori.
Dunhai stated, “Nigeria is a great country with tremendous natural resources. We believe that deeper collaboration in sectors like EV manufacturing can unlock economic potential and strengthen both our nations.”
He recalled the recent diplomatic engagement between President Bola Tinubu and Chinese President Xi Jinping, during Tinubu’s state visit to China, where both leaders agreed to upgrade bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership. This new status paves the way for expanded cooperation in key sectors, including technology, manufacturing, and energy transition.
Dr. Alake welcomed the initiative, reaffirming Nigeria’s openness to investments that will add value to its solid minerals and create jobs through industrial development.
If realized, the planned electric vehicle factories would not only diversify Nigeria’s economy but also place the country on the map as a regional hub for green mobility and mineral-based industrialization.
