China Rejects US Bill Alleging Illegal Mining Ties in Nigeria
China has pushed back strongly against allegations contained in a proposed United States bill targeting its mining interests in Nigeria, describing the claims as “completely baseless” and politically motivated.
The controversy follows the introduction of the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026 by US Congressmen Rep. Riley Moore (R-West Virginia) and Rep. Chris Smith (R-New Jersey). The bill proposes measures to counter alleged illegal Chinese mining operations in Nigeria and directs the US Secretary of State to determine whether certain Fulani militias should be designated as foreign terrorist organisations under US law.
US lawmakers claimed that illegal mining operations serve as a significant funding source for violent extremist groups, alleging that some operators pay “protection money” to insurgents to secure their activities. The proposed legislation also calls for expanded humanitarian assistance in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, to be delivered through faith-based and non-governmental organisations.
In a statement issued late Thursday, the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria expressed “firm opposition and strong dissatisfaction” with what it described as groundless accusations linking Chinese mining companies to terrorism financing.
“Recently, a bill introduced by certain US congressmen groundlessly accused China of engaging in illegal mining operations in Nigeria and paying protection money to specific militia groups,” the statement read. “These accusations are completely baseless. We request that the relevant media immediately cease spreading such false information.”
The embassy maintained that Chinese companies operating in Nigeria are required to strictly comply with Nigerian laws and regulations and operate lawfully. It emphasized that the majority of Chinese mining enterprises in Nigeria have adhered to local regulations, contributed to community development, created jobs, and supported bilateral cooperation between both countries.
The Chinese side also stated that its mining firms have themselves been victims of terrorist activities and have consistently supported Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen national security and mining governance.
Reaffirming its position, the embassy said China respects Nigeria’s sovereignty and remains committed to strengthening cooperation in the mining sector. It urged Nigerian media and stakeholders to assess China-Nigeria mining relations “in an objective and fair manner” and not allow what it termed “false information” to damage bilateral ties.
The diplomatic exchange highlights rising geopolitical tensions surrounding Africa’s mineral resources, as global powers compete for influence in the continent’s extractive industries.
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