China–Nigeria bilateral trade has surpassed $22 billion, reflecting a sharp rise in investment flows and exports between both countries, China’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, has said.
Speaking at the First Annual China–Nigeria Government Exchange Programme Alumni Reunion Gala in Abuja, the envoy disclosed that trade volume in 2025 had already exceeded the total recorded in the previous year. He added that China’s direct investment in Nigeria rose by 130 per cent, while Nigeria’s exports to China increased by more than 200 per cent.
Yu described the relationship between both countries as extending beyond diplomacy to strong people-to-people ties, noting that economic engagement was increasingly being driven by mutual benefits and shared development goals.
The ambassador also revealed that China is working closely with Nigeria’s Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment to implement the zero-tariff policy announced in June 2025. Under the policy, China is offering zero tariffs on 100 per cent of products from all 53 African countries, including Nigeria, a move he said would significantly boost Nigeria’s exports and strengthen its position within the global trading system.
According to Yu, Nigeria and China are collaborating on several projects designed to deliver shared gains, stressing that both countries are “natural partners” with aligned interests in development and global governance. He called for stronger cooperation to enhance Africa’s representation and voice in international decision-making.
Highlighting human capital cooperation, the ambassador disclosed that more than 10,000 Nigerians have benefited from Chinese government-sponsored training and exchange programmes over the years. The initiatives, he said, span governance, poverty reduction, manufacturing, agriculture, public health, trade and investment, science and technology, innovation, food systems and the digital economy.
Yu explained that the alumni reunion was organised to provide a platform for past participants to remain connected, exchange ideas and contribute more actively to China–Nigeria relations. Beneficiaries of the programme, he noted, are drawn from major Nigerian cities including Abuja, Lagos, Maiduguri and Ibadan.
He concluded that the training programmes not only enhance individual capacity but also contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s broader economic and social development.
