The Chinese government has issued a strong warning to its nationals residing in Nigeria, cautioning them against engaging in illegal mining and other unlawful activities.
Speaking during a courtesy visit to Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, in Abeokuta, Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, stressed that Beijing has zero tolerance for illegality and expects Chinese citizens in Nigeria to respect local laws.
Governor Abiodun had earlier raised concerns over reports of Chinese nationals collaborating with locals to carry out illicit mining operations in Ogun State.
“We always request that Chinese companies and citizens in Nigeria abide by Nigerian rules, laws, and regulations.
If there are any illegal activities, including illegal mining, there is zero tolerance from the Chinese government or the Embassy,” Dunhai said.
The envoy highlighted China’s commitment to strengthening economic ties with Nigeria, noting that the Asian giant views Africa’s largest economy as a critical partner for trade and industrial growth.
He revealed that China’s policy is to support lawful investment, job creation, and industrial development in Nigeria, not activities that threaten the country’s environment or security.
Dunhai, alongside Chinese Consul-General in Lagos, Ms. Yuqing Yan, also toured the Ogun Guangdong Free Trade Zone (OGFTZ) in Igbesa, which has become a symbol of Nigeria-China economic cooperation.
The zone has attracted billions in foreign direct investments (FDIs), created thousands of jobs, and facilitated technology transfer.
According to the envoy, the OGFTZ reflects China’s broader economic agenda in Nigeria, which includes building infrastructure, boosting manufacturing, and expanding bilateral trade under President Xi Jinping’s zero-tariff policy for African countries.
Governor Abiodun welcomed the Chinese delegation, acknowledging China’s role in Ogun’s industrialization drive.
He urged more investments in agriculture, transportation, and solid minerals exploration, promising that his administration would continue to provide a conducive environment for investors.
The warning against illegal mining comes amid growing concerns over the sector’s link to insecurity and revenue loss.
Nigeria loses an estimated $9 billion annually to illegal mining and gold smuggling, according to the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI).
FCT Commissioner of Police, Ajao Adewale, described illegal mining as a “major driver of insecurity, economic sabotage, and environmental degradation.”
Speaking at a media parley organized by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council, Adewale said proceeds from illicit mining fuel terrorism, kidnappings, and banditry across the country.
“Illegal mining robs Nigeria of its wealth, fuels insecurity, and empowers criminal cartels. But with stronger security operations and media vigilance, this menace can be defeated,” he said.
Recent crackdowns by security agencies, including the Mining Marshals of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), have led to arrests in hotspots such as Zamfara, Nasarawa, Kogi, Niger, and even the FCT.
Authorities say some operations also uncovered cases of child labour and environmental violations.
Stakeholders, including the Miners Association of Nigeria (MAN) and NUJ, called on journalists to play a more proactive role in exposing cartels, educating communities, and advocating for sustainable reforms in the sector.
MAN President, Dele Ayanleke, described illegal mining as not only an economic crime but also a public health and environmental crisis.
He cited the 2012 Zamfara lead poisoning tragedy, which killed hundreds and sickened thousands, as a grim reminder of the dangers of unchecked artisanal mining.
Similarly, NUJ FCT Chairperson, Grace Ike, urged journalists to intensify investigative reporting to hold perpetrators accountable and push policymakers toward decisive action.
Ambassador Dunhai reaffirmed China’s readiness to deepen cooperation with Nigeria under the new comprehensive strategic partnership framework agreed upon by Presidents Bola Tinubu and Xi Jinping.
“Our goal is to strengthen collaboration in agriculture, manufacturing, trade, and infrastructure while ensuring that Chinese citizens respect Nigeria’s sovereignty and laws,” he said.
With Nigeria losing trillions annually to illegal mining, experts insist that sustained collaboration between government, security agencies, foreign partners, and the media is essential to safeguarding the nation’s mineral wealth for future generations.