The initiative is a huge step forward for Nigeria’s industrialization aspirations and reinforces Beijing’s expanding presence in Nigeria, in a year when the East Asian country has been very active within Africa’s largest oil-producing country.
This new development was made known during a courtesy visit by China’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, to Dr. Dele Alake, Minister of Solid Minerals Development.
During the visit, Ambassador Dunhai underlined the need for further collaboration between the two countries in unleashing Nigeria’s solid minerals potential, a crucial component in EV battery production, and propelling Nigeria’s industrial growth.
Dunhai also stated that China has always recognized Nigeria as an important partner in its foreign strategy.
The Chinese ambassador mentioned the recent meeting between Presidents Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Xi Jinping, during which both leaders decided to upgrade Nigeria-China bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership, paving the way for considerable economic and technical collaboration.
Dr. Alake, in response noted that the Federal Government has granted authority for China to develop electric car manufacturing factories in Nigeria, as he emphsized the idea that Nigeria is open for business.
He asked that the ambassador persuade Chinese businesses to make full-cycle investments in Nigeria, from extraction to processing, as reported by the Punch.
“For years, our minerals have been exported raw to fuel foreign industrialisation. That must change, Dr. Alake stated.
“We now prioritise local processing to drive Nigeria’s development. For instance, with the abundance of lithium, we want to see local manufacturing of electric vehicles and batteries,” he added.
“Plans are underway to establish electric vehicle factories and other manufacturing ventures in Nigeria.
Chinese companies are already deeply involved in Nigeria’s mining sector, from exploration to processing,” Dr. Alake continued.
“We aim to deepen this collaboration, especially in line with President Tinubu’s eight priority areas, notably economic diversification through solid minerals,” he added.
Deals between China and Nigeria in 2025 so far
The EV announcement follows a flood of Chinese investments and strategic engagement with Nigeria so far in 2025.
In April, the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC) inked a $1 billion agreement with Chinese company SINOMACH to build a large-scale sugarcane production and processing facility.
Mr. Kamar Bakrin, NSDC Executive Secretary, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the investment will alter Nigeria’s sugar sector and strengthen China’s strategic footprint in the nation.
A new shipping route that provides an exceptional 27-day transit time between Shanghai and Lagos began in February when the MV Great Cotonou, a Con-Ro vessel from China, arrived at the PTML facility in Lagos, West Africa’s largest multipurpose RO/RO facility.
It is anticipated that this innovation would transform the logistics of regional trade.
In January, the China Development Bank approved a $254.76 million loan for a major railway project in Nigeria, expanding the country’s railway modernization program as part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
