The People’s Republic of China has rejected recent reports that its government is involved in the proliferation of terrorist campaigns in Nigeria.

This was contained in a statement issued by its mission in Abuja on Monday, via its Twitter handle.

The statement was made in response to a British newspaper, The Times, making the allegation that Chinese mining industry employees were funding terrorist organizations in some parts of Nigeria in order to gain access to the country’s mineral reserves.

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The news outlet noted that it transmitted its research to an analysis team in Lagos.

In its response The Times reports, the Chinese Mission said, “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.

“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, among others, 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.

“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.”

China and Nigeria have strong economic and diplomatic ties that have grown over the years.

The trade volume between both nations increased to about $26bn in 2022.

In 2021, Nigeria exported items worth $3.05B to China. The main products that Nigeria exported to China are Petroleum Gas ($1.42B), Crude Petroleum ($1.02B), and Lead Ore ($73M). During the last 26 years the exports of Nigeria to China have increased at an annualized rate of 17%, from $51M in 1995 to $3.05B in 2021.

China exported goods worth $21.9B to Nigeria in 2021. The main products that China exported to Nigeria were Non-Knit Women’s Suits ($769M), Telephones ($729M), and Rubber Footwear ($541M). During the last 26 years the exports of China to Nigeria have increased at an annualized rate of 21.1%, from $151M in 1995 to $21.9B in 2021.