Hon Jaafar Yakubu, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on China-Nigeria relations, has emphasized that Chinese companies should not be held accountable for illegal mining activities taking place in Nigeria.
During an exclusive interview conducted at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja, Hon Jaafar, who represents the Bali, Gassol federal constituency of Taraba State, dispelled reports in some media outlets suggesting that Chinese companies were engaged in illegal mining. He maintained that these firms adhere to all the regulations governing mining operations in Nigeria and play a pivotal role in the sector’s development by providing capital, equipment, and essential technology.
The legislator asserted that illegal mining activities often involve the complicity of local communities living near the mining sites who aid and abet these illicit operations. He clarified, “Our investigations reveal that there is a significant misunderstanding about how the mining industry operates in Nigeria. Generally, the owners of mining operations are local Nigerians, while the Chinese primarily contribute equipment, technology, funds, and collaborate with local miners. Many Nigerians mistakenly associate Chinese companies with illegal mining because they are present at the construction sites.”
Hon Jaafar Yakubu also highlighted that numerous Chinese firms are actively engaged in legitimate and legal mining activities within Nigeria. He announced plans for his committee to launch a comprehensive investigation aimed at identifying and addressing illegal mining operations in the country.
Moreover, he affirmed that his committee would work closely with relevant stakeholders to educate Chinese investors about Nigeria’s mining and business regulations to prevent any breaches of the law. He added, “We will also engage local communities to encourage them to be more receptive and transparent in their interactions with investors, creating a conducive environment for mining investments. This will lead to job creation, poverty reduction, and a decrease in criminal activities.”
Hon Jaafar cited data from the Senate Committee on Finance, which suggested that Nigeria could potentially generate approximately $3 billion annually from its solid minerals sector. He underscored the positive impact of Chinese investment in the mining sector, stating, “With over 100,000 Nigerians currently employed by these Chinese companies in the mining industry, this means 100,000 families lifted out of poverty, which is a significant achievement.”
