Nigeria and China Deepen Economic Cooperation at the 2025 Commodities Expo
At the
2025 China Commodities Expo-Nigeria, held at the Landmark Event Centre in
Lagos, Nigeria and China reaffirmed their strategic commitment to enhancing
bilateral trade and economic collaboration.
The event, organized by the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China, showcased the growing synergy between the two nations and ran until November 7, 2025.
The
Chinese Consul General in Lagos, Yan Yuqing, emphasized the importance of the
Expo as a reflection of the robust economic and trade ties between China and
Nigeria. She described the exhibition as a vital platform for both countries to
share development opportunities and expressed China's willingness to
collaborate with Nigeria in deepening practical cooperation.
Yuqing
highlighted China's adherence to the principles of extensive consultation and
joint contribution for mutual benefit, noting that the Expo serves as a bridge
to convey confidence in continued cooperation.
Referencing
the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party
of China, Yuqing announced the adoption of the 15th Five-Year Plan, which aims
to expand market access, optimize the business environment, and elevate the
Belt and Road Initiative to new heights. She expressed China's readiness to
share the dividends of development with Nigeria, particularly in areas such as
the digital economy, green energy, and infrastructure. She also reaffirmed
support for the African Continental Free Trade Zone and cited major
Chinese-backed infrastructure projects in Nigeria, including the Lagos-Ibadan
Railway, Lagos Light Rail, and Lekki Deep Sea Port, as evidence of
people-centered cooperation driving Nigeria’s economic and social development.
According
to China Customs, bilateral trade between China and Nigeria reached $20 billion
from January to September 2025, marking a 32.6 percent year-on-year growth.
Nigeria contributed nearly $21.9 billion to China-Africa trade, which totaled
approximately $280 billion in 2024. China has remained Africa’s largest trading
partner for 16 consecutive years.
Wang
Deyang, Deputy Director of the Trade Development Bureau of China’s Ministry of
Commerce, echoed the sentiment of deepening ties. He noted that Nigerian
products such as semi-processed cocoa and oil derivatives have become staples
in Chinese households. Deyang emphasized the vitality of the trade relationship
and expressed hope that the Expo would unlock further business opportunities
for enterprises in both countries.
Lagos
State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by Commissioner Folashade
Ambrose-Medebem, officially opened the Expo and underscored its significance in
driving Nigeria’s industrial and economic growth. He highlighted Lagos’s
strategic infrastructure, including the Lekki Deep Seaport and Lagos Free Zone,
as key assets in transforming the city into a continental trade and logistics
hub.
Sanwo-Olu
praised the participation of over 250 Chinese manufacturers and more than 5,000
business delegates across sectors such as automobiles, renewable energy,
manufacturing, textiles, electronics, and agriculture.
The
governor encouraged Nigerian entrepreneurs to leverage the Expo’s opportunities
by forming smart partnerships, advocating for technology transfer, and aligning
with global best practices to accelerate local manufacturing and economic
diversification. He concluded by affirming that the Expo is not merely a trade
show but a dynamic platform for sustained collaboration that empowers
entrepreneurs, enriches the workforce, and drives inclusive growth.
Overall,
the 2025 China Commodities Expo-Nigeria served as a testament to the enduring
and evolving partnership between Nigeria and China, reinforcing their shared
vision for industrialization, innovation, and sustainable development.
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