By Gabriel Ameh
Alternative headline angles
China-Nigeria bilateral trade rose by 35 per cent to $18 billion in the first half of 2026, Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, has disclosed.
Yu made the disclosure on Wednesday in Abuja at a reception organised by the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria to commemorate the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.
The event brought together Nigerian and Chinese government officials, diplomats, business leaders and members of the media.
According to the ambassador, the increase in overall trade was accompanied by a sharp rise in Chinese imports from Nigeria, which grew by 81 per cent during the period under review.
Yu said the development demonstrated the growing momentum in economic cooperation between Nigeria and China, which marked 55 years of diplomatic relations in 2026.
“Our relationship has entered the fast lane,” the envoy said, while commending economic reforms and other measures being implemented by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He said recent agreements covering economic partnership and aquatic exports had created additional institutional support for expanding trade between both countries.
The ambassador also highlighted China’s decision to implement zero-tariff treatment for 53 African countries from May 1, 2026, saying the policy could create more opportunities for African exporters.
He added that China’s imports from Africa increased by 24 per cent in May and June alone.
According to Yu, greater access to the Chinese market could help African countries turn their natural and resource advantages into stronger industrial capacity while supporting the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
China eyes deeper cooperation with Nigeria
Yu said China was prepared to align its 15th Five-Year Plan with Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in areas such as industrialisation, digital development, and the green and blue economies.
He also invited Nigeria to join the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization, saying membership would provide an avenue for the country to participate in global technological development.
Beyond trade and investment, the ambassador said China and Nigeria were expanding cooperation into cultural and media exchanges.
He cited the launch of Chinese-language broadcasts on Federal Radio Nigeria and Voice of Nigeria as examples of the expanding relationship.
Nigeria seeks stronger exports to China
Speaking at the event, Nigeria’s Minister of Power and Director-General of the Nigeria-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, Joseph Tegbe, commended China’s contribution to Nigeria’s infrastructure development.
He cited projects including the Lekki Deep Sea Port, railway modernisation and Zungeru Hydropower Station.
Tegbe, however, said Nigeria must ensure that increased access to the Chinese market translates into stronger domestic production and higher exports.
He also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the One-China principle, stating that the Nigerian government recognises the government of the People’s Republic of China as the sole legal government representing the whole of China.
Nigeria and China established diplomatic relations on February 10, 1971. In September 2024, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Chinese President Xi Jinping elevated relations between both countries to a comprehensive strategic partnership.
