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By Aidoghie Paulinus
China has reaffirmed its readiness to strengthen economic and industrial cooperation with Nigeria, pledging to inject new energy into global supply chain stability.
The Consul General of China in Lagos, Yan Yuqing, made the pledge during the 2025 China Brand Commodity Exhibition held in Lagos, where leading Chinese manufacturers and Nigerian business leaders explored new trade and investment opportunities.
She stated that the exhibition which brought together, high-quality Chinese commodities and technologies, was not only a microcosm of China-Nigeria economic and trade cooperation, but also an important platform for the two countries to share development opportunities.
“We hope this exhibition will serve as a bridge to convey confidence in cooperation. China always adheres to the principle of extensive consultation and joint contribution for shared benefits. We are willing to join hands with Nigeria to deepen practical cooperation and inject new momentum into the stability of the global industrial chain,” Yan said.
Yan recalled that two weeks ago, the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China concluded and it clearly stated that China will steadfastly advance high-standard opening up and comprehensively promote the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation through high-quality development.
She added that the most significant achievement of the Plenary Session was the review and adoption of the 15th Five-Year Plan, which will further expand market access, optimize the business environment, and promote the high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative to a new level.
Yan also said 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 Zone.
“This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and the 54th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Nigeria. Our bilateral economic and trade cooperation has yielded fruitful results. According to statistics from China Customs, the bilateral trade between China and Africa in 2024 reached approximately USD 280 billion, a year-on-year increase of 6.1 percent. China has remained Africa’s largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years. The bilateral trade volume between China and Nigeria reached nearly USD 21.9 billion, accounting for about 8 percent of China-Africa trade. 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, 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.
“In the future, China and Nigeria are expected to continue deepening cooperation in more fields. First, industrial capacity alignment, promoting more China Smart Manufacturing to support Nigeria’s industrialization process; second, green transformation, creating demonstration projects in new energy, ecological agriculture and other fields; third, people-to-people exchange and cultural connectivity, expanding exchanges in education, culture, science & technology to further consolidate the public support for bilateral relations.
“We firmly believe that under the strategic guidance of the heads of our two countries, China-Nigeria Belt and Road cooperation will surely become a model for South-South cooperation,” the Consul General also said.
In his remarks, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said the 2025 China Commodities Expo Nigeria is more than a trade show.
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Sanwo-Olu who was represented by the Commissioner, Lagos State Ministry of Commerce, Cooperative, Trade and Investment, Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, also said the Expo is a dynamic platform that deepens the economic partnership between Nigeria and China, a relationship already valued at nearly $24 billion in bilateral trade and growing steadily.
The Lagos State Governor further said Lagos, as Africa’s foremost trade and logistics hub, stood ready to leverage the partnership, backed by strategic infrastructure such as the Lekki Deep Seaport and Lagos Free Zone, which are transforming the city into a gateway for continental commerce and industrial growth.
He added that with over 250 Chinese manufacturers and more than 5,000 business delegates gathered at the event, Lagos was witnessing a convergence of opportunity that spans automobiles, renewable energy, manufacturing, textiles, electronics, and agriculture.
“This Expo embodies how Lagos is embracing innovation, industrialization, and inclusivity in line with our THEMES+ development agenda, a vision to build a resilient, globally competitive economy that creates jobs and uplifts communities.
“China’s investments exceeding $1.5 billion in Lagos and across Nigeria have delivered not only infrastructure but also technology transfer and skills development, fueling our shared drive for prosperity.
“We encourage Nigerian businesses to seize this moment 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.
Also speaking, the Deputy Director-General of the Trade Development Bureau of the Ministry of Commerce, China, Wang Deyang, said both China and Nigeria are major developing countries.
Wang also said despite the geographical distance, both countries enjoy a profound foundation of friendship and cooperation.
He further said in areas such as the path to improving the wellbeing of the Nigerian people, oil refining, and agricultural machinery, Chinese enterprises have made efforts and contributions in crucial sectors.
Wang added that Nigerian sesame and cocoa have already entered the dining tables of the Chinese people.
He disclosed that from January to September this year, according to China’s Customs Statistics, the bilateral trade volume between both countries has reached 20 billion United States dollars, with a year-on-year growth of 32.6 percent, demonstrating great vitality.
