The Chinese Embassy in Nigeria has rejected allegations by U.S. bill that Chinese mining operations in Nigeria are involved in illegal mining and paying “protection money” to armed groups claims Washington linked to terrorism financing and insecurity. The embassy described the accusations as “completely baseless” and strongly opposed the narrative contained in the proposed “Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026”.
In a statement issued Thursday in Abuja, Chinese diplomatic officials said the accusations against Chinese nationals and companies were false and damaging, urging media outlets and critics to stop spreading what they called misinformation that could harm China–Nigeria relations. The embassy emphasized that Chinese firms operating in Nigeria are legally required to comply with Nigerian laws and regulations, have a record of lawful conduct, contribute to local communities, protect the environment, and support economic development.
The lawmakers’ draft bill had sought to link alleged illegal mining activities by Chinese entities to payments made to militias and terrorist groups, and called on the U.S. Secretary of State to assist Nigeria in countering what they described as “hostile foreign exploitation.” China’s embassy countered that the overwhelming majority of Chinese mining companies adhere to legal and ethical standards, and rejected the notion that they finance or support any militant actors.
Officials also stressed that Chinese enterprises in the mining sector have been victims of insecurity themselves, and reaffirmed China’s respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty and willingness to cooperate with Nigerian authorities on mining governance.
The exchanges reflect rising diplomatic tensions over foreign influence in Nigeria’s natural resource sectors, and come as lawmakers in the United States push measures linking security, religious freedom, and foreign business practices in the country’s mining regions.