The Chinese government has cautioned its nationals living in Nigeria against engaging in illegal activities, including mining.
The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, gave the warning in an interview after he led a delegation of Chinese Embassy officials in Nigeria on a courtesy call to the governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, in his office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
Governor Abiodun had earlier raised concerns in his speech over the activities of Chinese nationals who conspired with locals to carry out illegal mining in the state.
Ambassador Dunhai stated that his home country and the Embassy encourage Chinese investors to come to Nigeria; however, it does not support any of its nationals engaging in illegal mining, as they are expected to live within the ambit of the laws in their host country.
“I can tell you very frankly that the Chinese government encourages Chinese companies to come to Nigeria and invest because we believe that Nigeria is such a promising land; it is the largest market in Africa.
“So, we would like to contribute to the local economy and development to create more jobs.
“We always request that Chinese companies and their citizens in Nigeria abide by the local rules, laws, and regulations.
“If there are any illegal activities, including illegal mining, there is zero tolerance from the Chinese government or Embassy,” he said.
The Chinese envoy disclosed that his country, in the last 40 years, has lifted over 100 million people out of poverty and addressed its food scarcity challenges, expressing readiness to assist Nigeria in overcoming its food security challenges.
He said that as China’s biggest trading partner on the continent, Chinese companies are already in the country helping to build critical infrastructure, adding that his home country is looking forward to having more economic cooperation with Nigeria.
Speaking earlier, Governor Abiodun acknowledged China as a global manufacturing giant, whose partnership has contributed significantly to Nigeria’s economic and infrastructural development.
The governor emphasised that as the industrial hub of Nigeria, Ogun State is home to many Chinese companies involved in the production of a variety of goods for Nigeria and beyond.
He said his administration is ready to partner with Chinese investors in agriculture and transportation development, solid mineral exploration, and other areas that would be of great benefit to both parties.
He called on Chinese investors to take advantage of the conducive business environment, warm people, and availability of needed infrastructure to open up more investments in the state, as his administration is ready to give them all the needed support.
