The China-Nigeria trade has reached $18 billion in the first half of 2026, representing a 35 per cent increase, as both countries moved to deepen cooperation in industrialisation, technology, energy and trade.
During a reception to celebrate the 77th Anniversary of the Founding of the People’s Republic of China in Abuja, the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Yu Dunhai, said China was also ready to deepen cooperation with Nigeria across industrialisation, the digital economy, green development and the blue economy.
Ambassador Dunhai said China was prepared to align its 15th Five-Year Plan with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“China stands ready to align its 15th Five-Year Plan with President Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope’ Agenda,” Dunhai said.
While noting that Chinese imports from Nigeria had risen by 81 per cent, he highlighted China’s zero-tariff treatment for eligible products from 53 African countries, which took effect on May 1, describing the measure as an opportunity to help transform Africa’s resources into greater industrial and export capacity.
According to Ambassador Dunhai, Chinese imports from Africa increased by 24 per cent in May and June following implementation of the policy.
He said recent agreements covering economic cooperation and aquatic exports could provide additional support for trade between Nigeria and China, with cooperation expected to expand further into technology, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, trade and cultural exchange.
The ambassador also announced the commencement of Chinese-language broadcasting on Federal Radio Nigeria and Voice of Nigeria, describing the initiative as part of efforts to strengthen cultural understanding and people-to-people relations.
Reflecting on his two years in Nigeria, Ambassador Dunhai said his experience had deepened his appreciation of the country and its people, whom he described as resilient and optimistic.
“To embrace China is to embrace the future; to walk with China is to walk with opportunity,” he said.
He called for continued cooperation between the two countries, urging both sides to use innovation, openness and cooperation to deepen their partnership.
“Let us empower development through innovation, openness, and sincere cooperation to continuously enrich China-Nigeria friendship and write a new chapter in China-Africa relations,” he said.
Representing President Bola Tinubu, the Minister of Power and Director-General of the Nigeria-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, Mr. Joseph Tegbe, said the relationship had evolved significantly since Nigeria and China established diplomatic ties early this year.
“Across the 55 years since our relationship started in 1971, a normal diplomatic friendship has matured into a cooperation that increasingly touches the daily lives of our citizens,” Mr. Tegbe said.
He cited Chinese participation in major Nigerian infrastructure projects, including the Lekki Deep Seaport, railway modernisation and the Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Station, while stressing the need for such partnerships to produce lasting benefits within Nigeria.
According to him, rising trade should be matched by stronger Nigerian production and increased exports to the Chinese market.
“Our shared task is to translate that asset into stronger Nigerian production and Nigerian exports to China, with benefits that will endure for both economies,” he said.
Mr. Tegbe said the power sector offered further opportunities for cooperation, particularly in electricity generation, renewable energy and the local manufacture of power equipment.
He stressed, however, that such partnerships should also develop Nigerian engineers, technicians and local businesses capable of operating and maintaining infrastructure delivered through foreign partnerships.
Mr. Tegbe also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the One-China principle, saying the country recognises the government of the People’s Republic of China as the sole legal government representing China.
The reception was attended by more than 600 guests, including senior Nigerian government officials, members of the National Assembly, diplomats, representatives of international organisations, members of the Chinese community and other distinguished guests.
