The Chinese Embassy in Nigeria has dismissed reports that it is indirectly funding terrorism in the country. A statement published on the embassy’s website refutes a claim by The Times of the U.K. that Beijing could be indirectly financing terror in Nigeria. The embassy maintains that the report is based on unverified, unclear, and unproven information.
The statement reiterates that the Chinese government and embassy in Nigeria have always encouraged Chinese companies and nationals to abide by Nigerian laws and regulations. It also emphasizes that China has never been involved in funding terrorism and that the allegations in the report are “totally irresponsible and unethical.”
The embassy highlights the tangible benefits of bilateral cooperation between China and Nigeria for both countries and their peoples over the past decades. China remains committed to working with the Nigerian government to promote development and address security issues, welcoming international partners to join their efforts in good faith but rejecting any attempts to tarnish their cooperation.
The Times report, published on April 15th, 2023, alleged that Chinese mining bosses were financing Nigerian militant groups to secure access to the country’s mineral reserves, and that Chinese companies operating in areas prone to attacks had been striking security deals with insurgents.
