Chinese warned against illegal mining operations in Nigeria

The Chinese government has warned its citizens in Nigeria not to take part in illegal activities, including illegal mining.

Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, said this during a visit to Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, in Abeokuta.

The governor had earlier expressed concerns about some Chinese nationals working with locals to carry out illegal mining in Ogun State.

Ambassador Dunhai said China supports its companies to invest legally in Nigeria because Nigeria is a large and promising market. He stressed that the Chinese government does not tolerate illegal mining and expects its citizens to follow Nigerian laws.

He said, “China wants to help Nigeria grow its economy and create jobs. But anyone involved in illegal mining will not be supported by China or its Embassy.”

The ambassador also mentioned that China has helped lift over 100 million people out of poverty in the last 40 years and is ready to assist Nigeria with food security problems.

China is Nigeria’s biggest trade partner in Africa, and many Chinese companies are already helping build important infrastructure in Nigeria.

Duanhai and the Chinese Consul-General, Ms. Yuqing Yan, visited the Ogun Guangdong Free Trade Zone (OGFTZ) in Igbesa. This zone is important for trade and cooperation between China and Nigeria. It has attracted foreign investments, created jobs, and supported industrial growth.

The Police Commissioner for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ajao Adewale, also asked journalists to help fight illegal mining. He said illegal mining causes insecurity, damages the economy, and harms the environment. He spoke at a media workshop in Abuja, organized by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).

Governor Abiodun praised China as a global manufacturing leader and said many Chinese companies operate in Ogun State. He invited Chinese investors to explore opportunities in agriculture, transport, and mineral exploration, promising government support.

Ambassador Dunhai called the Ogun Guangdong Free Trade Zone a symbol of the strong Nigeria-China partnership and mentioned China’s zero-tariff policy for African countries. He also spoke about President Bola Tinubu’s recent visit to China, where both countries agreed to strengthen cooperation in agriculture, trade, manufacturing, and infrastructure.

Police Commissioner Adewale shared figures from the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), saying Nigeria loses about $9 billion every year to illegal mining and gold smuggling. This causes environmental damage, community displacement, and health problems.

He explained that illegal mining is linked to violence in parts of Nigeria, as bandits fund their activities by controlling minerals. He said that some powerful Nigerians use foreigners as fronts for illegal mining.

Hotspots for illegal mining include Zamfara, Nasarawa, Kogi, Kaduna, Niger, Kwara, Osun States, and parts of the FCT. Between 2023 and 2024, joint security operations arrested at least 72 suspects.

The FCT Minister, Chief Nyesom Wike, ordered a crackdown on illegal mining in Abuja to protect the city.

The Police Commissioner urged journalists to engage communities, share information with security agencies, and investigate illegal mining networks. He said that illegal mining harms Nigeria’s wealth and security, but with media support and strong enforcement, it can be stopped.

ACC A. J. Onoja, Commander of the Mining Marshals, a special enforcement unit created to fight illegal mining, also called on journalists to report professionally and objectively. The Mining Marshals have been dismantling illegal mining camps and arresting offenders but face challenges like poor logistics and resistance from communities.

Onoja warned against biased or sensational media reports that could harm enforcement efforts. He emphasized that the fight against illegal mining is about protecting the environment, livelihoods, and national resources.

Dele Ayanleke, President of the Miners Association of Nigeria, highlighted the economic, environmental, and social threats of illegal mining.

He noted problems like child labor and toxic chemical use in illegal mining. He urged sustained media efforts to educate the public, expose cartels, and promote reforms.

Grace Ike, Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, called on journalists to intensify reporting on illegal mining and hold authorities accountable. She said journalists must report fairly and help raise awareness about the dangers of illegal mining to protect communities and the environment.