The United States has accused the Chinese government of sponsoring terrorism and illegal mining activities in Nigeria, allegations that Beijing has strongly denied, calling them “completely baseless.”
The accusation emerged after five U.S. lawmakers introduced a bill in the U.S. Congress alleging that Chinese entities are involved in illegal mining operations in Nigeria and are indirectly funding armed militias, contributing to insecurity in parts of the country.
In response, the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria issued a statement on Thursday rejecting the claims and dismissing the allegations as unfounded. The embassy said China does not support illegal mining, criminal networks, or armed groups in Nigeria, and insisted that Chinese cooperation with Nigeria is conducted within the framework of mutual respect and Nigerian law.
“The Chinese government has never funded militias or engaged in illegal mining activities in Nigeria,” the statement said, adding that China remains committed to lawful economic cooperation and development partnerships.
The rebuttal was issued in reaction to the proposed U.S. legislation, which raises concerns about foreign involvement in Nigeria’s extractive sector and links illegal mining to financing of non-state armed groups.
The development adds a diplomatic dimension to ongoing debates over mining governance, security challenges, and foreign economic influence in Nigeria, particularly as the country struggles with illegal mining, banditry, and community violence in resource-rich areas.
China is one of Nigeria’s largest trading partners and investors, with significant involvement in infrastructure, mining, and manufacturing. Beijing has repeatedly denied accusations that its overseas investments contribute to instability, while U.S. lawmakers and analysts have raised concerns about transparency and security implications tied to foreign resource extraction.
Nigerian authorities have not issued an official statement on the specific U.S. allegations or China’s rebuttal, though the government has previously acknowledged challenges posed by illegal mining and pledged to strengthen regulation and enforcement across the sector.