By peterside Rejoice
The Chinese government has strongly denied allegations by members of the United States Congress that it is sponsoring illegal mining activities in Nigeria and indirectly funding terrorist groups.
he denial follows the introduction of a bill in the US House of Representatives titled “Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026”, sponsored by five Republican lawmakers Riley Moore, Chris Smith, Bill Huizenga, Brian Mast, and Mario Diaz-Balart.
In the proposed legislation, the lawmakers alleged that Chinese nationals involved in illegal mining operations in Nigeria were paying protection money to terrorist groups and armed militias, particularly Fulani militias, to secure their mining sites. They claimed that such activities were contributing to insecurity and religious persecution in parts of the country.
According to the sponsors of the bill, the legislation is aimed at addressing what they described as ongoing religious persecution and mass atrocities in Nigeria. The lawmakers urged the US Secretary of State to engage with the Nigerian government to counter what they termed “hostile foreign exploitation” linked to illegal Chinese mining operations.
“The Secretary of State should work with the Government of Nigeria to counteract the hostile foreign exploitation of Chinese illegal mining operations and their destabilising practice of paying protection money to Fulani militias,” the lawmakers stated in the bill.
Reacting to the allegations, the Chinese Embassy in Abuja issued a strongly worded statement on Thursday, dismissing the claims as false and unfounded.
The embassy maintained that the overwhelming majority of Chinese mining companies operating in Nigeria have maintained what it described as an exemplary record of compliance with Nigerian laws and regulations. It rejected suggestions that China or its nationals were funding radical Islamic groups or ethnic militias to protect mining interests.
“We express our firm opposition and strong dissatisfaction, and request that the relevant media immediately cease spreading such false information,” the statement read in part.
The embassy further stressed that the Chinese government requires all its citizens and companies abroad to strictly adhere to the laws and regulations of host countries, including Nigeria’s mining laws. It reiterated that China maintains zero tolerance for illegal mining activities or any form of criminal conduct by its nationals.
According to the statement, Chinese mining firms in Nigeria have not only complied with regulatory standards but have also contributed positively to local communities by fulfilling social responsibilities, protecting the environment, and supporting economic development.
“They actively give back to local communities, fulfil their social responsibilities, protect the natural environment, and have made positive contributions to deepening bilateral mining cooperation, supporting local economic development, and creating employment opportunities,” the embassy added.
The latest exchange underscores growing international scrutiny over Nigeria’s mining sector, which has faced persistent challenges including illegal operations, environmental degradation, and insecurity. While the US lawmakers link illegal mining to terrorism financing and religious persecution, China insists the accusations lack evidence and risk undermining bilateral relations.
As diplomatic tensions simmer, observers say the development may prompt closer examination of foreign involvement in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector, particularly amid ongoing efforts by the Nigerian government to formalise and regulate mining activities across the country.
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