Fakoyejo OlalekanThe Chinese government said it doesn’t finance terrorism in Nigeria in exchange for mineral resources as claimed by The Times in a report.
According to the report, some Chinese in Northern Nigeria bribe militants in the country for access to vast mineral reserves, hinting Beijing could be indirectly funding terror in Nigeria.
Reacting to the report on Tuesday, the Chinese government denied the information, stating its unverified, unclear and unproven.
The Chinese Embassy in Nigeria said the government of the Asian country has always implored its citizens to abide by the laws and regulations of Nigeria.
China said local rules and guidance on labour, environment, health and safety in Nigeria are also implemented by Chinese companies operating in the country.
Also, the Chinese government stated it has never been involved in any form of funding terrorism, so the credibility of the report is in question.
It said the bilateral cooperation between China and Nigeria has been on for decades and has brought tangible benefits to our bilateral ties and will address security issues.
The Asian country said the assertions in the reports are: “based on unverified, unclear and unproven information, to which we have to express our strong dissatisfaction and objection.”
“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.”
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