Hon Jaafar Yakubu, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on China-Nigeria relations, has emphasized that Chinese companies should not be held responsible for illegal mining activities occurring in Nigeria.
In an exclusive interview conducted at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja, Hon Jaafar, who represents the Bali, Gassol federal constituency of Taraba State, refuted media reports suggesting that Chinese companies were involved in unlawful mining operations. Instead, he asserted that these Chinese firms meticulously adhere to all regulations governing mining activities within Nigeria. Furthermore, he emphasized that these companies play a pivotal role in fostering the growth of the mining sector by providing essential capital, advanced equipment, and technology to support the industry’s development.
Hon Jaafar contended that the perpetuation of illegal mining activities involves the complicity of local communities in host areas who collaborate with and support these illicit operations. He shed light on the common misperception surrounding the mining industry’s dynamics in Nigeria, explaining that local Nigerians typically own mining ventures, while Chinese companies primarily contribute to the sector by supplying equipment, technology, funds, and collaborating with local miners.
He stated, “We have hundreds of Chinese firms engaged in legal and legitimate mining operations across Nigeria. My committee is committed to launching a comprehensive investigation to unveil the identity of illegal miners operating within Nigeria.”
The lawmaker further pledged that his committee would work in close cooperation with relevant stakeholders to educate Chinese investors about the laws governing mining and business activities in Nigeria, thus averting any breaches of these regulations.
He elaborated, “We will also undertake initiatives to sensitize local communities, encouraging them to be more welcoming and transparent in their interactions with investors, thus creating a conducive environment for investments in the mining sector. This, in turn, will generate employment opportunities and help alleviate poverty, reduce crime rates, and combat criminal activities.”
Hon Jaafar Yakubu highlighted the potential economic benefits of the mining sector, referencing the Senate Committee on Finance’s estimate that Nigeria could annually earn approximately $3 billion from solid minerals. Additionally, he emphasized that over 100,000 Nigerians are currently employed in the mining sector by these Chinese companies, resulting in the upliftment of numerous families out of poverty.
In conclusion, he stated, “One hundred thousand employed Nigerians means one hundred thousand families lifted out of poverty, a substantial achievement for our nation.”