China's ambassador promises increased business opportunities as bilateral trade between China and Nigeria surpasses $28 billion

The bilateral trade between China and Nigeria reached a staggering $28 billion in 2025, marking a 28 percent year-on-year growth, which highlights the strengthening economic bond between the two nations.

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Chinese direct investment in Nigeria also witnessed a significant surge, increasing by over 100 percent to a record $690 million within the same period, further solidifying the economic ties between the two countries.

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Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos, Ms. Yan Yuqing, revealed these statistics at the Symposium on the 55th anniversary of the establishment of China-Nigeria diplomatic relations and China-Africa people-to-people exchange year and the two sessions briefing in Lagos.

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Yuqing assured that China would further expand market access with Nigeria, focusing on key sectors such as telecommunications, healthcare, and education, as the country pursues its high standard opening-up in 2026.

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Starting from May 1, China will grant zero-tariff treatment to 100 percent of African tariff lines, underscoring its push for more free trade deals and World Trade Organisation (WTO) reform amid global protectionism.

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According to Yuqing, China will further expand market access, with a focus on the service sector, and will continue to improve policies supporting foreign investment and strengthen service and protection systems for foreign enterprises.

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Companies from around the world, including those from Nigeria, will have the opportunity to participate in China’s manufacturing sector and engage deeply in its service sector, sharing opportunities from the upgrading of industrial and value chains, Yuqing said.

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To drive the high level opening-up, Yuqing stated that connectivity with Africa, and Nigeria, would go beyond physical infrastructure, spanning policy links, people-to-people ties, and Belt and Road projects that pair flagship rail/port work with livelihood schemes and green/digital cooperation.

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Yuqing emphasized that China is ready to work with African partners to deepen mutual learning and foster closer people-to-people ties, ensuring that the China-Africa friendship endures for generations.

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Dr. Adetoro Banwo, Head of Chinese Unit at University of Lagos, argued that the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is crucial for driving economic growth, as it is a strategic pillar for global competitiveness and technological self-reliance.

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Banwo stated that China has successfully integrated AI into manufacturing, agriculture, and business models, and urged Nigeria to follow suit, enabling African firms to scale globally.

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According to Banwo, China's AI plus initiative aims to integrate artificial intelligence into all areas of the economy, including manufacturing and agriculture, and large-scale application of AI into wealth creation and business models.

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Banwo emphasized that capturing this policy would make Nigeria more globally competitive, and that the integration of AI into agriculture is transforming traditional farming into smart agriculture, improving efficiency, sustainability, and productivity.

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Banwo also stressed that a data-driven policy culture is missing in Nigeria, and that mapping resources and gaps through data could cut waste and lift productivity.

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Dr. Eric Ni, Chairman, HuaXing Arts Troupe Nigeria, said that his organization has contributed to bridge-building missions, championing cultural education and grassroots empowerment programs, in partnership with the Consulate General and Chinese Community.

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Ni stated that Huaxing's past work has brought Chinese heritage into Nigerian neighborhoods, while showcasing Nigerian culture, creating two-way cultural literacy, and that scholarships funded by the troupe have given young Nigerians training, skills, and exposure.

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New plans for 2026 include scaling the Dragon Boat Festival and Children’s Drawing Competition into a national event for ages 6-15, expanding reach beyond Lagos, Ni noted.

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Dr. Efe Shuaibu, CEO/Director, Aifei Chinese School, and President of the Confucius Institute Alumni Association of Nigeria, said that education and cultural exchanges are powerful tools for building trust, as they enable people to learn each other’s language, share experiences, and understand each other’s history.

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Shuaibu emphasized that the true sustainability of the China-Nigeria partnership lies in the human connection, in the friendship, knowledge exchange, and cultural understanding between the people, and that infrastructure development, trade cooperation, and investment have strengthened economic ties.

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Referencing President Xi Jinping’s assertion that the lifeline of China-Africa relations lies with the people, Shuaibu said that it is people who build lasting bridges between nations, while governments and institutions build diplomatic relations and economic partnerships.

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Shuaibu argued that the future of China-Africa cooperation will be shaped by classrooms, research institutes, cultural centers, and innovation hubs, where young people learn and collaborate, and urged stakeholders to invest in education and youth empowerment.