Chinese govt denies financing terrorists to access Nigerian resources

China has denied a report linking it and Chinese companies with involvement in funding militants or any form of terrorism financing to access Nigerian mining sites.

A British news platform, The Times, had reported that China and some Chinese companies operating in Nigeria are financing terrorists to access the country’s mineral resources.

The report dated April 15, 2023, and titled, ‘Chinese ‘bribed Nigerian militants for access to vast mineral reserves’ claimed that “Beijing could be indirectly funding terror” in Nigeria.

However, the Chinese Embassy in a statement said the report is “based on unverified, unclear and unproven information, and expressed it strong dissatisfaction and objection.

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“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 statement added.

“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  the well-being of the two peoples. We will continue to work with the Nigerian government to promote development and address security issues.

“We welcome international partners to join our efforts in good faith, but would reject any intention or action that would smear our cooperation.”