China Plans to Build Electric Vehicle Factories in Nigeria

Beulah Godfrey

May 19, 2025
3 min read

The Chinese government has announced plans to build electric vehicle (EV) factories and other manufacturing plants in Nigeria. This move aims to strengthen economic ties between both countries and support industrial growth.

Segun Tomori, Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, shared this update in a statement released on Sunday, May 18.

China and Nigeria Discuss New Industrial Projects

According to Tomori, this development followed a recent meeting between Minister Alake and the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai. During the meeting, Ambassador Dunhai emphasized the need for stronger cooperation between China and Nigeria, especially in the solid minerals sector.

Moreover, he explained that building EV factories in Nigeria would unlock the country’s mineral resources and increase local production. This effort also supports China’s broader goal of helping African nations grow their industries, a major focus of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s foreign policy.

Furthermore, the ambassador referred to the earlier meeting between Nigerian President Bola Tinubu and President Xi Jinping during Tinubu’s visit to China. He noted that the visit pushed both countries’ partnership to a higher, strategic level.

Ambassador Dunhai pointed out that Chinese companies already play a major role in Nigeria’s mining sector. These firms are active in various stages, from mineral exploration to processing.

He stated, “We want to deepen our work with Nigeria, especially under President Tinubu’s plan to grow the economy by developing the solid minerals sector.”

China Backs Nigeria’s Mining Regulations

In response to concerns raised by Dr. Alake about illegal mining by some Chinese firms, Ambassador Dunhai gave full support to Nigeria’s mining laws.

According to Tomori, the ambassador clarified that the Chinese government maintains a zero-tolerance policy for illegal activities. In addition, he said China has asked its companies to strictly follow Nigerian laws, implement proper community support programs, and respect environmental rules.

The ambassador also promised that the Chinese embassy would help bring non-compliant companies to justice and support better monitoring of the mining industry.

Nigeria Pushes for Electric Vehicle Production Using Local Lithium

Meanwhile, Minister Alake stressed Nigeria’s focus on electric mobility as part of its plan for sustainable development. He explained that the country’s large lithium deposits could power local production of EVs and batteries.

He said, “We’ve taken action against illegal operators, including some Chinese nationals. But those are isolated cases. Many Chinese companies follow the rules, and we need China’s continued support to keep the sector clean.”

Finally, Alake reaffirmed Nigeria’s openness to serious investors. He added that the country wants mining activities to create more local value and jobs.

“With the amount of lithium we have,” Alake said, “we want to attract investments in local EV and battery production. This will drive industrial growth and support long-term development.”