The Chinese government has refuted a report that Chinese mining bosses were funding terrorism in mineral-rich areas in northern Nigeria to secure access to mineral reserves.
Recall that a British national daily, The Times, published a report stating that the funding was in form of bribes and other illegal transactions.
According to the report, some of the Chinese mining interests operating in the affected areas strike deals with militant groups in exchange for being left alone to operate.
The report further noted that some Chinese nationals working informally in mining sites in Zamfara act as runners for the militant groups in the state and other North-Western states.
However, the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria refuted the report in a statement.
It said that the report was based on “unproven information”, noting that China remains committed to addressing development and security-related issues in Nigeria.
“The Chinese government, as well as the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, have always encouraged and urged the Chinese companies and nationals in Nigeria to abide by the laws and regulations of Nigeria, and to implement the local rules and guidance on labour, environment, health and safety, etc, and would continue their efforts in this regard.
“The Chinese government was and would never be involved in any form of funding terrorism. The allegations contained in the report were totally irresponsible and unethical, and the intention of the report is seriously questioned.
“For the past decades, the bilateral cooperation between China and Nigeria has brought tangible benefits to our bilateral ties and well-being of the two peoples. We will continue to work with the Nigerian government to promote development and address security issues,” the statement read in part.
The Chinese embassy said it rejects “any intention or action that would smear our cooperation”.