The Chinese Embassy in Nigeria has outrightly denied reports by The Times of the U.K that Chinese government is indirectly funding terrorism in Nigeria.
A statement at the embassy website refuted the report by the U.K publication purportedly claiming that “Beijing could be indirectly funding terrorism in Nigeria.”
The Embassy said the report is based on unsubstantiated, unverified, unclear, and unproven information.
The statement said: “The Chinese government, as well as the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, have always encouraged and urged the 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.”
The report published by The Times of the UK on 15th April, 2023 claimed Chinese government could be indirectly funding terror in Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy.
The report further said, Chinese mining managers were funding Nigerian militant groups in order to secure access to the country’s mineral reserves.
“Chinese companies working in parts of Nigeria where attacks are frequent have been striking security deals with insurgents…,” the report stated in part.
