THE Chinese Government has rejected, and described as “completely baseless,” allegation of sponsoring illegal mining in Nigeria by five United States (US) congressmen.
It also rejected the allegation of funding radical Islamic groups and ethnic militias to protect its mining interests by “paying protection money to specific militias.”
In a statement issued on Thursday, February 12, the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria expressed dissatisfaction with the allegations, adding: “We express our firm opposition and strong dissatisfaction, and request that the relevant media immediately cease spreading such false information.”
The Embassy said China requires all its nationals to abide by the Nigerian mining regulations and the country has “zero tolerance for mining companies involved in any illegal activities, noting: “The overwhelming majority of Chinese mining companies in Nigeria have set an exemplary record of compliance with Nigerian laws and regulations.
“They actively give back to local communities, fulfill their social responsibilities, protect the natural environment, and have made positive contributions to deepening bilateral mining cooperation, supporting local economic development, and creating employment opportunities.”
The statement was in response to the allegations contained in a Bill presented to the US Congress by five Republican lawmakers, titled, ‘Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026,’ linking Chinese illegal mining to terrorism funding in Nigeria.
According to the lawmakers- Riley Moore (West Virginia), Chris Smith (New Jersey), Bill Huizenga (Michigan), Brian Mast (Florida) and Mario Diaz-Balart (Florida)- the Bill aimed at addressing what they described as ongoing religious persecution and mass atrocities in Nigeria.
Arguing that Chinese nationals involved in “illegal mining” operations are paying terrorists for protection, they said: “The Secretary of State should work with the Government of Nigeria to counteract the hostile foreign exploitation of Chinese illegal mining operations and their destabilising practice of paying protection money to Fulani militias.”
The Bill states that Chinese illegal mining activities are fueling religious violence and have resulted in the death of thousands of Christians in the country.
But China pushed back, with its embassy declaring that Chinese mining companies in the country have always respected Nigeria’s sovereignty and supports Nigeria’s efforts at strengthening mining governance, in accordance with law and regulations.
It added: “The Chinese Embassy maintains close communication and cooperation with relevant Nigerian authorities at all times.
“It must be emphasised that Chinese mining enterprises in Nigeria are victims of terrorist activities. They have consistently supported and are willing to cooperate with the Nigerian government’s efforts to safeguard national security.
“The Chinese side stands ready to work together with Nigeria to strengthen mining cooperation and governance further, promote the healthy, orderly and sustainable development of China-Nigeria mining cooperation, safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of enterprises from both sides, and bring benefits to the peoples of both countries.”
Chinese nationals have been repeatedly accused of paying money to terrorists for protection and access to mining sites in Nigeria.
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