By Citizenship News
The Federation of Chinese miners in Nigeria has reacted to a report alleging that Chinese companies and nationals are infiltrating the solid minerals sector in the host country.
The Federation said in a refutal on Tuesday that it has recently noted the recirculation by certain media outlets of a report alleging the so-called “Chinese infiltration” of Nigeria’s Solid Minerals Sector.
The refutal is titled, “The Statement Regarding False Allegations of Infiltration in Nigeria’s Solid Minerals Sector against Chinese Mining Companies China Mining Federation of Nigeria.”
The Federation said the report claims that some Chinese nationals in Nigeria are engaged in illegal mining activities, seizing critical mineral resources, hindering the country’s economic and social development, damaging the local ecological environment, and even fueling terrorist activities.
It said the reports also called on relevant Nigerian authorities to strengthen governance in the mining sector.
The Federation however denied those allegations, saying that Chinese mining companies in Nigeria have always strictly complied with Nigeria’s laws and regulations, in accordance with the guidance of the Chinese government.
The statement reads in part: “While conducting business in compliance with the law, these companies actively cooperate with Nigerian government departments to strengthen mining governance.
“They have also responded proactively to Nigeria’s need for industrial transformation and upgrading in the mining sector by making investments, building local factories and hiring Nigerian workers, measures that have not only boosted local employment but also enabled Nigeria to retain greater added value, turning resource endowments into tangible development dividends.
“By giving back to local communities, fulfilling social responsibilities, and protecting the natural environment, these companies have made positive contributions to deepening China-Nigeria mining cooperation.
“The allegations that Chinese companies are fueling terrorism in Nigeria are completely unfounded.
“It must be emphasized that Chinese mining companies in Nigeria have themselves been victims of terrorist activities.
“They have always supported and remain willing to cooperate with the Nigerian government in safeguarding national security, with the shared aim of operating and living in a secure and stable environment.
“The Federation hopes that the media and friends from all sectors in Nigeria will view and report on the cooperation and operations of Chinese mining companies in an objective and fair manner, and will not allow themselves to be used by those with ill motives to spread false information and undermine the cooperation and friendship between our two countries.
“The Federation stands ready to work with the Nigerian government and all sectors of society to further deepen mining cooperation, support Nigeria’s economic and social development, and deliver greater benefits to our two peoples.”
