The China Mining Federation of Nigeria has firmly pushed back against renewed allegations that Chinese mining companies are behind illegal mining activities in Nigeria, calling the claims false, misleading, and damaging to Nigeria–China relations.
In a statement released on Tuesday in Abuja, the federation said it had noticed the resurfacing of media reports accusing Chinese nationals and companies of infiltrating Nigeria’s solid minerals sector, illegally seizing critical mineral resources, degrading the environment, and even supporting terrorist activities. According to the federation, these allegations are not only inaccurate but dangerously speculative.
Addressing the most serious claim — that Chinese mining firms are linked to terrorism — the federation described it as completely unfounded. It emphasized that, rather than supporting terrorism, some Chinese mining companies operating in Nigeria have themselves been victims of terrorist attacks, making the accusations both illogical and unjust.
The federation stressed that Chinese mining firms in Nigeria operate strictly within the framework of Nigerian laws and regulations, under the guidance of the Chinese government. It noted that these companies consistently cooperate with relevant Nigerian government agencies to strengthen mining governance and ensure compliance with legal and environmental standards.
Beyond compliance, the federation highlighted the economic contributions of Chinese mining companies to Nigeria. It stated that many firms have invested in local processing facilities, built factories, and employed Nigerian workers as part of efforts to support Nigeria’s industrial transformation in the mining sector. These investments, it said, have helped create jobs, increase local value addition, and convert Nigeria’s natural resource endowments into measurable economic benefits.
The statement also pointed to corporate social responsibility efforts by Chinese mining companies, including giving back to host communities and implementing measures to protect the natural environment. According to the federation, such actions demonstrate a commitment to sustainable mining and long-term cooperation between both countries.
The China Mining Federation of Nigeria urged Nigerian media organizations and the general public to report on mining activities involving Chinese companies fairly and objectively. It warned that the spread of misinformation could undermine bilateral relations between Nigeria and China and negatively affect ongoing economic partnerships.
Reaffirming its position, the federation expressed readiness to continue working closely with the Nigerian government and other stakeholders to deepen cooperation in the mining sector. It said the goal remains to support Nigeria’s economic and social development while ensuring that mining partnerships deliver tangible benefits to both nations.
In plain terms: the federation says the narrative of Chinese-backed illegal mining and terrorism doesn’t hold water — and it’s calling for facts, balance, and accountability to guide public discourse going forward.