Deputy President of the Senate, Mr Ike Ekweremadu, has called on Chinese firms operating in Nigeria to ensure fair treatment of their Nigerian workers.

Ekweremadu, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr Uche Anichukwu, on Tuesday in Abuja, said that the call became necessary following pertinent complaints over treatment of Nigerians by their Chinese employers.

He made the call when he received the Deputy Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Nigeria, Mr Jin Ping, who visited him in Abuja.

Ekweremadu

He appreciated the government and people of China for their support towards Nigeria’s development, especially in investments, roads, railway, agriculture and power.

Ekweremadu complained about alleged illegal mining activities by some Chinese in Nigeria.

“We want to see more of Chinese factories and presence in Nigeria to help us reload the private sector.

“We also want to see Nigerians who work in Chinese factories treated like their Chinese colleagues.

“We welcome you with open hands and we expect you to also treat our people well, like your people,” he said.

He said that the Federal Government detested at any form of illegal mining as it portended economic loss and environmental hazards to the country.

“We will also like to see that Chinese who do business here do it in accordance with our laws.

“We have heard reports of some Chinese who allegedly engage in illegal mining.

“Nigeria is blessed with abundant mineral resources and I am sure that the government is ever willing to cooperate with lawful interests through licensing for the exploitation of these mineral in compliance with our laws.’’

Speaking earlier, Jing said his delegation was at the National Assembly to strengthen the bilateral ties between Nigeria and China.

Jing reaffirmed China’s commitment to Nigeria’s development, saying that Chinese investments in Nigeria stood at 13 billion dollars at the end of 2016.

He said China was also demonstrating same commitment to Nigeria’s friendship and development through 326 million dollars on 30 rice mill projects slated for various parts of the country.

He added that China EXIM Bank funded provided 450 million dollar loan for the construction of Keffi road.