Dataphyte, Nigeria’s foremost data access and insight organisation, has released its latest research titled “Illegal Chinese Mining in Nigeria and its Political Implications.”
The work accentuates its ongoing monitoring of foreign authoritarian influence in Nigeria and Africa, examining Chinese illegal mining in Nigeria within the context of Sino-Nigerian relations. It emphasises the political implications, such as policy deficiencies and corruption.
It also advocates for Nigeria to develop structured mining policies to prevent foreign exploitation and suggests diplomatic resolutions to ensure mutual benefits and sustain a positive relationship.
The report describes how, over five decades, Sino-Nigerian relations have flourished, with Nigeria emerging as one of China’s top 40 global trading partners and the country’s main hub for investments in Africa.
By 2023, Chinese loans accounted for 80% of Nigeria’s bilateral debt, financing various infrastructure projects. Furthermore, Nigeria has surpassed Angola and South Africa to become China’s second-largest trade partner in Africa and its top investment destination on the continent.
The report also discusses the benefits and drawbacks of Nigeria’s relationship with China. Of particular note is the rise in illegal Chinese mining in Nigeria, which has had a significant impact on politics by exposing flaws in leadership, policymaking, governance, and the security sector.
This illicit activity exacerbates environmental degradation, undermines government revenue, fuels insecurity, and strains diplomatic relations. Nigeria’s federal system creates loopholes for exploitation, while lax policies fail to regulate the mining sector effectively.
The report also revealed that Chinese miners and corrupt government officials work together to continue an illicit cycle of activity. Ensuing insecurity puts human rights and the authority of the state in jeopardy, calling for extensive security sector reform.
Corruption further undermines democratic values and development efforts, while strained diplomatic relations with China raise concerns about indirect support for terrorist activities.
The report suggested that addressing these challenges requires robust policy reforms, enhanced regulation, security sector reform, and anti-corruption measures.
China must also ensure its nationals adhere to mining regulations. Failure to act decisively risks further destabilising Nigeria’s socio-political landscape and undermining prospects for sustainable development and bilateral relations.
The report concluded that resolving this issue is critical for the two countries’ future economic and diplomatic developments.