Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Hu Dunhai, has pledged increased Chinese investment in Nasarawa State’s solid minerals sector, with focus on local value addition, technology transfer, and youth development.
The Ambassador made the pledge when he paid a courtesy visit to Governor Abdullahi Sule at the Government House in Lafia.
Ambassador Hu Dunhai commended Governor Sule for his investment drive and for creating an enabling environment that has continued to attract Chinese investors to the state.
He said Chinese companies operating in Nasarawa State would be encouraged to go beyond extraction to establish mineral processing facilities in the state, while training Nigerian workers and creating sustainable jobs in line with Nigerian laws and environmental regulations.
The Ambassador also reaffirmed China’s zero tolerance for illegal mining and pledged the readiness of the Chinese government to collaborate with the Nasarawa State Government to curb the menace.
Ambassador Hu further highlighted China’s zero-tariff policy for African exports, including Nigeria, urging exporters in Nasarawa State to leverage the initiative to access the vast Chinese market.
He also expressed China’s commitment to support youth development through training programmes and study tours for talented young persons from the state.
Governor Sule noted that Chinese investments have already led to the establishment of mineral processing plants in the state, facilitated technology transfer and equipped local workers with critical technical skills.
The Governor welcomed the proposed youth training initiative, assuring that his administration, through the Human Capital Development Agency, will work to identify qualified candidates to benefit from the programme.
He expressed optimism that sustained cooperation with China will fast-track industrialization, create jobs, and further strengthen Nasarawa State’s economy.
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(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
