China’s Consul-General in Lagos, Ms Yan Yuqing, has disclosed that bilateral trade between China and Nigeria rose above $22.3 billion between January and October 2025, reflecting a significant boost in economic relations between both countries.
Yuqing made the disclosure at the Lagos Forum
New Year Media Symposium, where she
reviewed the state of China–Nigeria relations and
outlined expectations for expanded cooperation
in 2026. She described the past year as one
marked by strong growth and renewed
momentum in economic and trade engagement.
According to her, trade between both nations
recorded a 30.2 per cent year-on-year increase
within the period under review, underscoring
Nigeria’s continued importance as a key partner
for China in Africa.
The envoy noted that Nigeria has remained one of
China’s leading investment destinations on the
continent for several years. She recalled that
Nigeria was named Guest Country of Honour at
the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo in
June and the China International Import Expo
(CIIE) in November.
Yuqing said Nigerian agricultural products such
as cashew nuts, sesame seeds, sorghum and dried
ginger have gained wider entry into the Chinese
market, while the Lekki Free Trade Zone and
Ogun–Guangdong Free Trade Zone continue to
serve as major hubs for industrial and
manufacturing collaboration.
She added that cooperation driven by
development priorities has yielded visible
outcomes, particularly in infrastructure,
agriculture and the digital economy, contributing
to job creation and enhanced local industrial
capacity.
Highlighting key infrastructure achievements,
Yuqing cited the Lekki Deep Sea Port, which is
projected to handle about 520,000 TEUs annually,
representing over 82 per cent year-on-year
growth. She also noted that passenger traffic on
the Lagos–Ibadan Railway and Lagos Light Rail
has reached record levels, helping to ease traffic
congestion and improve urban mobility.
The Chinese envoy further observed that people-
to-people and cultural exchanges between both
countries continue to expand, strengthening
mutual understanding and cooperation.
Looking ahead, Yuqing said 2026 will mark the
55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between
China and Nigeria, as well as the 70th
anniversary of China–Africa relations. She
expressed China’s willingness to deepen
collaboration in areas such as new energy, the
digital economy and cultural exchanges, adding
that sustained engagement would further
strengthen the comprehensive strategic
partnership between both countries and Africa at
large.
On global affairs, Yuqing criticised a recent $11
billion United States arms sales package to
Taiwan, describing it as a violation of China’s
sovereignty. She warned that the Taiwan issue
remains a core national interest and a red line in
China–US relations, adding that China has lodged
a formal protest while reiterating its commitment to the One-China Principle.
She also referenced historical records dating back
to 230 AD, noting that Taiwan has long been part
of China and deeply rooted in Chinese culture.
Other speakers at the symposium included Chief
Jacob Wood, Secretary-General of the West Africa
Association for the Promotion of Peaceful
Reunification of China, who praised the peaceful
coexistence between Nigerians and Chinese
residents and described Nigeria as a prime
destination for investment.
Also speaking, Dr Eric Ni, Chairman of the
Chinese Industrial and Commercial Enterprises
Association and Huaxing Arts Troupe Nigeria,
called for deeper collaboration between Chinese
and Nigerian businesses and cultural institutions,
stressing that trade, investment and cultural
exchange are vital for youth engagement and
shared development.
.jpeg)
0 Comments