The China Mining Federation of Nigeria has strongly dismissed allegations of Chinese infiltration and involvement in illegal activities within Nigeria’s solid minerals sector, describing the claims as baseless and misleading.
The rebuttal was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja, following the circulation of a report accusing Chinese operators of illegal mining, environmental degradation, and terrorism financing.
The Federation maintained that Chinese mining companies operating in the country strictly adhere to Nigerian mining laws and regulations, in alignment with guidance from the Chinese government.
According to the group, these firms collaborate closely with relevant Nigerian regulatory agencies to strengthen governance, promote transparency, and ensure responsible operational standards.
Highlighting their economic contributions, the Federation noted that Chinese firms have invested heavily in local processing plants and factories.
These investments, they argued, are designed to support Nigeria’s industrialisation drive, create employment for Nigerians, and ensure that mineral value is retained locally rather than exported in raw form.
The group stated that these efforts are transforming Nigeria’s mineral endowments into tangible economic benefits for local communities.
Addressing the sensitive allegations regarding terrorism financing, the Federation described the claims as completely unfounded.
They pointed out that Chinese nationals and companies have frequently been victims of terrorist attacks and insecurity in Nigeria, rather than perpetrators.
The statement reiterated the companies’ support for Nigeria’s security efforts and their readiness to cooperate with authorities to maintain a safe operating environment.
The Federation’s clarification comes in response to a report by the Renevlyn Development Initiative (RDI), which covered trends between 2018 and 2025.
The RDI report alleged widespread illegal mining by foreign nationals in states such as Zamfara, Nasarawa, Kogi, Osun, Kwara, Plateau, and Niger.
It cited weak regulation, institutional complicity, and poor enforcement as factors driving environmental degradation and the loss of government revenue, while also drawing links between illegal mining and armed groups in northern Nigeria.
The China Mining Federation also urged media practitioners and stakeholders to report on the sector objectively to avoid spreading misinformation that could damage bilateral relations between Nigeria and China.
The group reaffirmed its commitment to working with the Nigerian government to deepen cooperation and ensure sustainable development in the mining sector.