NACCIMA Woos Chinese Investors, Seeks Warehouses In Nigeria, Hainan

The Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) has called for the establishment of a Nigerian warehouse in China’s Hainan Free Trade Port and a Chinese warehouse in Nigeria to deepen bilateral trade, attract investments and expand market access for businesses in both countries.

The association said the proposed warehousing arrangement would facilitate the movement of goods, strengthen trade relations and create opportunities for Nigerian and Chinese businesses to explore emerging markets.

National President of NACCIMA, Engr. Jani Ibrahim, made the call at the 2026 Hainan Free Trade Port International Investment Cooperation Promotion Conference in Haikou, China.

Ibrahim, who is also the president of the Federation of West African Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FEWACCI), led a delegation of Nigerian businessmen, including NACCIMA members, to the conference.

He said the association was committed to developing strong partnerships with the authorities and private sector operators in Hainan to enable Nigerian businesses penetrate mainland China and other Asian markets.

According to him, the proposed partnership would focus particularly on non-oil exports, processing and value addition, areas he identified as critical to expanding Nigeria’s export base and strengthening the country’s position in international trade.

He described the economic incentives available in the Hainan Free Trade Port, including its zero-tariff policy, special customs operations, tax cuts and other favourable business policies, as significant opportunities for Nigerian businesses seeking access to the Chinese and wider Asian markets.

Ibrahim urged Nigerian private sector operators to take advantage of the investment-friendly environment in Hainan to scale up exports, particularly non-oil products, while exploring opportunities for industrial collaboration and investment.

He said stronger commercial ties between Nigeria and Hainan would create mutual benefits for businesses in both economies, particularly through improved market access, technology exchange and the development of trade infrastructure.

The conference, hosted by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), Hainan Provincial Committee, in collaboration with other organisations, was designed to attract international partnerships and investments into the free trade port.

Speaking at the event, Vice Governor of Hainan Province, Zhao Feng, said the Hainan Free Trade Port was strategically planned by Chinese President Xi Jinping to facilitate investment, trade and economic development.

He assured international business partners that the government would continue to provide policies and incentives to make Hainan an attractive destination for foreign investors and commercial cooperation.

Also speaking, Consul General of Nigeria in Guangzhou, Ambassador Mairo Abbas, urged private sector operators in Hainan to take a special interest in Nigeria, particularly in the areas of investment, technology transfer and the establishment of factories.

Abbas said Nigeria and Hainan occupied strategic positions that could complement each other in expanding trade and investment opportunities.

She noted that while Hainan served as a gateway to mainland China and other Asian markets, Nigeria was strategically positioned as a gateway to West Africa and several other African countries.

According to her, Nigeria is currently implementing economic reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to create a more favourable environment for investment and business expansion.

She encouraged Chinese investors to explore Nigeria’s vast market and investment opportunities, stressing that partnerships between businesses in both countries could promote industrial development, enhance trade and deliver mutual economic benefits.