China–Nigeria trade surpasses $22bn …Ambassador highlights growing partnership
Bilateral trade between China and Nigeria has exceeded $22 billion in 2025, surpassing last year’s total, the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, has revealed.
Speaking at the inaugural China–Nigeria Government Exchange Programme Alumni Reunion Gala in Abuja, Ambassador Yu said the surge underscores the deepening economic cooperation between both nations.
He highlighted that China’s direct investment in Nigeria rose by 130 per cent, while Nigerian exports to China increased by more than 200 percent over the same period.
“This bilateral relationship is not only political; it is fundamentally about people-to-people relations.
“I am happy to announce that our trade volume this year has surpassed $22 billion, exceeding last year’s total, ” Yu said.
The envoy also noted ongoing efforts to implement the zero-tariff policy announced in June 2025, which grants duty-free access for 100 percent of products from all 53 African countries, including Nigeria.
“We are working closely with the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment to implement this policy, which will expand Nigeria’s exports to China and strengthen its position in the global trading system,” he added.
Yu described Nigeria and China as natural partners with shared development goals and a common interest in reforming global governance to enhance African representation.
The ambassador further disclosed that more than 10,000 Nigerians have benefited from Chinese government-sponsored exchange and training programmes across sectors such as governance, poverty reduction, manufacturing, agriculture, public health, science and technology, the digital economy, and trade and investment.
Alumni of the programmes come from major cities including Abuja, Lagos, Maiduguri, and Ibadan.
“These programmes not only build individual capacity but also contribute directly to Nigeria’s economic and social development,” he said.
