KEY POINTS
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China-Nigeria trade hits $20 billion in nine months.
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Expo spotlights digital economy and green energy cooperation.
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Belt and Road partnership drives industrial growth momentum.
China and Nigeria have renewed their commitment to expanding trade and economic cooperation during the China Commodities Expo-Nigeria 2025, held at the Landmark Event Centre in Lagos.
According to China Customs, trade between the two nations reached $20 billion from January to September this year, underscoring the strength of their commercial partnership.
At the opening ceremony on Wednesday, Chinese Consul General in Lagos, Yan Yuqing, said the exhibition reflects “a microcosm of China-Nigeria economic and trade cooperation and a platform to share development opportunities.”
Organised by China’s Ministry of Commerce, the three-day event runs through November 7 and aims to deepen investment and market access across manufacturing, renewable energy, textiles, and agriculture.
Expo focuses on digital economy and green growth
Yuqing said China hopes the exhibition will “serve as a bridge to convey confidence in cooperation” and reaffirmed Beijing’s readiness to work with Nigeria to strengthen industrial capacity and sustainability.
Referencing the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, she noted that China’s new 15th Five-Year Plan will expand market access and promote the Belt and Road Initiative’s high-quality growth.
She said China is willing to share development dividends with Nigeria through cooperation in digital economy, green energy, and infrastructure, while supporting the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Citing customs data, Yuqing said China-Africa trade reached $280 billion in 2024—a 6.1 percent rise—with Nigeria contributing about $21.9 billion. “China has remained Africa’s largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years,” she added.
Major Chinese-backed infrastructure projects such as the Lagos-Ibadan Railway, Lagos Light Rail, and Lekki Deep Sea Port, she said, demonstrate “people-oriented cooperation driving Nigeria’s growth.”
Highlighting future collaboration, Yuqing listed industrial capacity alignment, green transformation, and people-to-people exchanges as key priorities for deepening ties. “Under the strategic guidance of our leaders, China-Nigeria Belt and Road cooperation will become a model for South-South partnership,” she said.
Expo showcases momentum in bilateral trade growth
Wang Deyang, Deputy Director of the Trade Development Bureau of China’s Ministry of Commerce, reaffirmed the strong trade partnership between both nations.
Furthermore, he said, “From January to September, China-Nigeria trade volume reached $20 billion, growing 32.6 percent year-on-year—proof of enormous vitality.”
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by Commissioner Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, said the Expo underscores Nigeria’s commitment to expanding industrial capacity.
“The 2025 China Commodities Expo Nigeria is more than a trade show—it’s a platform deepening a relationship already worth $24 billion,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu highlighted Lagos’ strategic role as “Africa’s foremost trade and logistics hub,” backed by infrastructure such as the Lekki Deep Seaport and Lagos Free Zone.
He commended the participation of over 250 Chinese manufacturers and 5,000 business delegates spanning automobiles, energy, manufacturing, electronics, and agriculture.
Encouraging local entrepreneurs, he said, “Nigerian businesses must seize this opportunity—negotiate smart partnerships, demand meaningful technology transfer, and align with global best practices.”
The governor concluded, “Together, through this Expo, we are building bridges—not just for trade, but for sustained collaboration that drives inclusive growth.”
The three-day event is expected to further reinforce China-Nigeria Belt and Road cooperation, spur industrial investment, and strengthen long-term economic ties between the two countries.
