By JKNewsMedia
THE CHINESE government has urged its citizens residing in Nigeria to desist from illegal activities, particularly unauthorised mining operations.
Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, issued the caution during a visit to Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, at the governor’s office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
The envoy, who led officials from the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, stressed that Chinese nationals must conduct their businesses in line with the laws of their host country.
Governor Abiodun, in his remarks, had earlier raised concerns about the involvement of some Chinese nationals who collaborate with locals to engage in illegal mining in the state.
He said the activities posed challenges to government efforts in managing the state’s solid mineral resources.
Ambassador Dunhai noted that China supports genuine investment and seeks to contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth but does not condone lawbreaking by its nationals.
He explained that the Embassy continues to guide Chinese investors to operate strictly within the boundaries of Nigerian laws.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
Highlighting China’s domestic achievements, Ambassador Dunhai stated that in the past four decades, his country had lifted over 100 million people out of poverty while addressing food scarcity challenges.
He assured that China stands ready to share its experience and support Nigeria in strengthening its food security.
The envoy added that Nigeria remains China’s biggest trading partner in Africa, and Chinese companies have played key roles in developing critical infrastructure projects across the country.
He expressed optimism about expanding economic cooperation, underscoring opportunities for deeper collaboration between both nations.
In his address, Governor Abiodun commended China as a global manufacturing leader whose cooperation has advanced Nigeria’s infrastructure and economy.
He stressed that Ogun State, recognised as Nigeria’s industrial hub, already hosts a significant number of Chinese companies engaged in the production of goods for both local consumption and export.
The governor said his administration is prepared to strengthen partnerships with Chinese investors in agriculture, transportation, solid mineral exploration, and other strategic sectors.
He called on investors to take advantage of the state’s conducive business environment, its people, and available infrastructure, assuring that the government will provide the necessary support to facilitate investments.
Governor Abiodun reaffirmed his government’s readiness to sustain a favourable climate for foreign investment, stressing that mutual collaboration with China would remain essential for advancing economic opportunities in Ogun State and across Nigeria.
