The Chinese government has strongly dismissed allegations made by five US lawmakers that it has been involved in sponsoring illegal mining operations in Nigeria and funding militias for protection. In a statement issued by the Chinese embassy in Nigeria, these claims were characterized as baseless and misleading. The embassy reiterated that Chinese nationals operating in Nigeria’s mining sector are expected to observe local mining regulations diligently. It emphasized that the majority of Chinese mining companies have been compliant with these regulations, contributing positively to local community development and economic progress.

The allegations were associated with a bill currently under consideration in the US Congress, which links the purported illegal activities of Chinese miners to terrorism financing and instances of religious violence in Nigeria. The US lawmakers accused Chinese miners of compensating local militias for protection, which China vehemently denied, asserting its respect for Nigeria's sovereignty. The Chinese government maintained that it seeks cooperative engagement with Nigerian authorities to bolster governance in the mining sector, countering narratives that frame its operations as exploitative or harmful to local stability.

These developments highlight ongoing tensions regarding foreign investments in Nigeria's mining sector, particularly as the US lawmakers' claims could influence legislative actions and public perception regarding China’s role in Africa. With both Chinese and Nigerian stakeholders advocating for better governance practices in mining, the discourse around this issue will likely continue, given the geopolitical implications of such allegations.