China kicks over report accusing it of funding terrorism to access Nigeria’s resources

The Chinese government has debunked a report claiming its nationals are funding terrorist groups in parts of Nigeria to secure access to the country’s mineral reserves.

The Times, the UK newspaper, had earlier claimed ‘Beijing could be indirectly funding terror in Africa’s largest economy’ through bribes and illegal transactions.

Reacting to the report in a statement on Monday, the Chinese embassy in Nigeria said the allegations by the media outlet are based on “unproven information.”

The statement reads: “Our attention has been drawn to a media report titled ‘Chinese bribed Nigerian militants for access to vast mineral reserves’ published by The Times of the U.K. on April 15, 2023. This report, claiming that ‘Beijing could be indirectly funding terror’ in Nigeria, is based on unverified, unclear and unproven information, to which we have to express our strong dissatisfaction and objection.

On April 17, the Embassy of China released the Remarks on media report of The Times by the Spokesperson of the Embassy.https://t.co/qkDW2y7Ca2 pic.twitter.com/gPykzsehJR

— 🇨🇳Chinese Embassy in Nigeria🇳🇬 (@china_emb_ng) April 17, 2023

“The Chinese government, as well as the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, have always encouraged and urged 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 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.”