China–Nigeria Trade Hits $22.3bn, As Envoy Projects Deeper Ties

The Chinese consul.general in Lagos, Ms Yan Yuqing, has said that China–Nigeria bilateral trade exceeded $22.3 billion between January and October 2025.

Yuqing disclosed this at the Lagos Forum New Year Media Symposium, where she reviewed bilateral relations and outlined prospects for deeper cooperation in 2026.

“Over the past year, China–Nigeria economic and trade cooperation has shown great vitality and strong momentum.

“From January to October 2025, bilateral trade exceeded $22.3 billion, representing a 30.2 per cent year-on-year increase,” Yuqing said.

She said Nigeria had remained one of China’s major investment destinations in Africa for many consecutive years.

According to her, Nigeria was honoured as Guest Country of Honour at the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo in June and the CIIE in November.

She said Nigerian products, including cashews, sesame seeds, sorghum and dried ginger, gained increased access to the Chinese market.

Yuqing noted that the Lekki and Ogun–Guangdong Free Trade Zones remained key platforms for industrial and manufacturing cooperation.

She said development-focused collaboration delivered tangible benefits, especially in infrastructure, agriculture and the digital economy.

According to her, the projects supported job creation and strengthened local industrial capacity across Nigeria.

Yuqing cited the Lekki Deep Sea Port, projecting annual throughput of 520,000 TEUs, representing over 82 per cent year-on-year growth.

She added that Lagos–Ibadan Railway and Lagos Light Rail passenger volumes hit record highs, easing congestion and improving mobility.

The envoy said people-to-people and cultural exchanges continued expanding, strengthening mutual understanding between both nations.

Looking ahead, she said 2026 would mark the 55th anniversary of China–Nigeria relations and the 70th anniversary of China–Africa ties.

She expressed China’s readiness to deepen trust and expand cooperation in new energy, the digital economy and cultural exchanges.

Yuqing said sustained collaboration would further strengthen the China–Nigeria comprehensive strategic partnership and shared future with Africa.

She also criticised a recent United States arms sales package to Taiwan, valued at about $11 billion.

“The move seriously violates China’s sovereignty and sends a dangerous signal to separatist forces,” she said.

Yuqing warned that the Taiwan question remained the core of China’s core interests and a red line in China–US relations.

She said China had lodged a formal protest and urged strict adherence to the One-China Principle.

According to her, historical records showed Taiwan had been part of China since ancient times, with references dating to 230 AD.

She said successive dynasties exercised jurisdiction over the island, where Chinese culture took deep root.

Chief Jacob Wood, the Secretary General of the West Africa Association for the Promotion of Peaceful Reunification of China, also spoke at the event.

He commended peaceful coexistence between Nigerians and Chinese residents despite cultural differences.

Wood urged continued unity, describing Nigeria as the best destination for investment.

Dr Eric Ni, Chairman, Chinese Industrial and Commercial Enterprises Association and Huaxing Arts Troupe Nigeria, called for stronger collaboration between Chinese and Nigerian businesses and cultural institutions.

He said trade, investment and cultural exchanges should deepen understanding, engage youth and promote shared development.