Mining
By Sarafina Christopher
Abuja, December 23, 2025- The China Mining Federation of Nigeria has rejected allegations of “Chinese infiltration” in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector, describing the claims as false and misleading.
The Federation made this known in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja following the recirculation of a report alleging that some Chinese nationals were involved in illegal mining, environmental degradation and terrorism financing in Nigeria.
According to the Federation, Chinese mining companies operating in the country have consistently complied with Nigeria’s mining laws and regulations in line with the guidance of the Chinese government.
It said the companies worked closely with relevant Nigerian government agencies to strengthen governance in the mining sector and promote transparency and responsible operations.
The Federation noted that Chinese mining firms had responded to Nigeria’s industrialisation drive by investing in local processing facilities, establishing factories and employing Nigerian workers, steps it said had boosted local employment and enabled Nigeria to retain more value from its mineral resources.
“These investments have helped transform Nigeria’s mineral endowments into tangible economic benefits while supporting local communities and protecting the environment,” the statement said.
Reacting to allegations linking Chinese mining activities to terrorism, the Federation described the claims as “completely unfounded,” stressing that Chinese companies and nationals in Nigeria had themselves been victims of terrorist attacks.
It said Chinese mining firms had consistently supported Nigeria’s security efforts and remained willing to cooperate with the government to ensure a safe and stable operating environment.
The Federation called on the media and stakeholders to report on mining activities objectively and avoid spreading misinformation that could undermine bilateral relations between Nigeria and China.
It reaffirmed its commitment to working with the Nigerian government and other stakeholders to deepen cooperation in the solid minerals sector, support economic and social development, and ensure that mining activities deliver sustainable benefits to both countries.
GlobalTimes Daily reports that a prior report published by the Renevlyn Development Initiative (RDI) titled “Silent Conquest: The Chinese Infiltration of Nigeria’s Solid Minerals Sector” alleged widespread illegal mining involving foreign nationals, including Chinese operators, across several mineral-rich states.
The report, covering developments between 2018 and 2025, cited Zamfara, Nasarawa, Kogi, Osun, Kwara, Plateau and Niger states as areas with prevalent illegal mining activities.
RDI alleged that weak regulation, institutional complicity and poor enforcement had allowed illegal mining to flourish, resulting in environmental degradation, displacement of local farmers and loss of government revenue.
The organisation also claimed a link between illegal mining and armed groups, particularly in northern Nigeria, warning of national security risks if decisive action was not taken.
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