The trade volume between China and Nigeria has surged to $21.9 billion, accounting for about 8% of China’s total trade with Africa, according to the Chinese Consul General in Lagos, Ms. Yan Yuqing.
Speaking at the China Commodities Expo–Nigeria 2025 in Lagos, Ms. Yuqing said the event serves as a vital platform for both nations to share development opportunities and strengthen mutual confidence in promoting economic cooperation and sustainable growth.
“Statistics from China Customs show that bilateral trade between China and Africa in 2024 reached approximately $280 billion, a 6.1% year-on-year increase. China has remained Africa’s largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years,” she noted.
Highlighting China’s longstanding commitment to Nigeria’s development, the Consul General cited several landmark projects—including the Lagos–Ibadan Railway, Lagos Light Rail, and Lekki Deep Sea Port—as examples of people-centered cooperation fueling Nigeria’s economic transformation.
“China has consistently ranked as Nigeria’s top project contractor and a major source of investment. From digital communications to agricultural modernization, China–Nigeria cooperation continues to inject strong momentum into Nigeria’s growth,” Ms. Yuqing added.
She reiterated China’s readiness to deepen practical cooperation with Nigeria in key sectors such as digital economy, green energy, and infrastructure, while supporting the development of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Also speaking, Mr. Wang Deyang, Deputy Director of the Trade Development Bureau, Ministry of Commerce of China, said the Expo offers an opportunity to advance partnerships between Chinese and Nigerian businesses.
“This exhibition spans intelligent technology, heavy machinery, efficient agricultural equipment, green building materials, vehicles, spare parts, new energy, and new materials. It is designed to foster more business opportunities for enterprises from both countries,” Mr. Wang said.
Declaring the exhibition open, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by Dr. Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, Commissioner for Commerce, Trade and Investment, lauded China’s $1.5 billion investments across Nigeria, emphasizing their role in infrastructure development, technology transfer, and skills enhancement.
“We urge Nigerian businesses to leverage this opportunity for smart partnerships, meaningful technology transfer, and adherence to global best practices to drive local manufacturing and economic diversification,” the Governor stated.
“Through this Expo, we are not just building bridges for trade but for sustained collaboration that empowers entrepreneurs, enriches our workforce, and promotes sustainable growth.”
The China Commodities Expo–Nigeria 2025, organized by China’s Ministry of Commerce, features over 70 top Chinese enterprises from Shandong, Fujian, Hunan, Jiangxi, and other provinces, occupying an exhibition area of about 3,000 square meters.
