The bilateral trade volume between China and Nigeria has reached approximately USD 21.9 billion, representing about 8 percent of China’s total trade with Africa.
The Chinese Consul General in Lagos, Ms. Yan Yuqing, disclosed this at the China Commodities Expo–Nigeria 2025 held in Lagos, South-West Nigeria.
Ms. Yuqing said; “the exhibition provides a platform for both countries to share development opportunities and reaffirm their confidence in strengthening economic cooperation and mutual growth.”
According to Ms. Yuqing, “Statistics from China Customs show that bilateral trade between China and Africa in 2024 reached approximately USD 280 billion, representing a year-on-year increase of 6.1%. China has remained Africa’s largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years.”
She emphasised that China adheres to the principle of extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits.
“China has consistently ranked as Nigeria’s top project contractor and a major source of investment for many years. From the Lagos–Ibadan Railway and Lagos Light Rail to the Lekki Deep Sea Port, and from cooperation in digital communication technology to agricultural modernization demonstration projects, China–Nigeria cooperation has always been people-oriented, injecting strong momentum into Nigeria’s economic and social development,” she said.
Ms. Yuqing also expressed China’s willingness to share its development experience, stating:
She said; “We are ready to join hands with Nigeria to deepen practical cooperation and inject new momentum into the stability of the global industrial chain. China is willing to share the dividends of development with Nigeria, deepen cooperation in areas such as the digital economy, green energy, and infrastructure, and support the construction of the African Continental Free Trade Area.”
On his part, the Deputy Director of the Trade Development Bureau of the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China, Mr. Wang Deyang, said the exhibition provides an avenue to advance economic and trade exchanges between Chinese and Nigerian enterprises.
Mr Deyang said; “The exhibition covers multiple sectors such as intelligent technology, heavy machinery, efficient agricultural equipment, green building materials, vehicles and spare parts, new energy, and new materials. We hope it will create more business opportunities for enterprises from both countries. The Trade Development Bureau of the Ministry of Commerce and the official trade promotion agency of China are willing to work with all parties to build a platform for deepening economic and trade cooperation between China and Nigeria.”
Declaring the event open, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu noted that China’s investments exceeding USD 1.5 billion in Lagos and across Nigeria have delivered not only infrastructure but also technology transfer and skills development, fueling a shared drive for prosperity.
Governor Sanwo-Olu said; “We encourage Nigerian businesses to seize this opportunity by negotiating smart partnerships, demanding meaningful technology transfer, and aligning with global best practices to accelerate local manufacturing and economic diversification. Together, through this Expo, we are building bridges—not just for trade, but for sustained collaboration that empowers entrepreneurs, enriches our workforce, and drives sustainable growth.”
He was represented by the Commissioner for Commerce, Trade and Investment, Dr. Folashade Ambrose-Medebem.
The exhibition, hosted by the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China, covers an area of approximately 3,000 square meters and features over 70 high-quality Chinese enterprises from Shandong, Fujian, Hunan, Jiangxi, and other provinces.
Mercy Chukwudiebere