Lagos: China and Nigeria have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral trade and investment at the China Commodities Expo-Nigeria 2025 in Lagos, showcasing opportunities for economic cooperation and fostering deeper commercial ties between both nations.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the Expo was hosted by China’s Ministry of Commerce and organised by its Trade Bureau. It displayed top Chinese commodities and advanced technologies, providing a key platform for business collaboration and promoting mutual industrial development across multiple sectors.
Chinese Consul-General in Lagos, Ms. Yan Yuqing, stated that the exhibition reflected growing confidence and cooperation, supporting Nigeria’s development in digital economy, green energy, infrastructure, and participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement. She highlighted that China-Africa trade reached 280 billion dollars in 2024, with Nigeria contributing 21.9 billion dollars, representing about eight per cent of the total, demonstrating the country’s growing role in continental economic exchanges.
Mr Wang Deyang, Deputy Director of China’s Trade Development Bureau, noted that more than seventy Chinese companies showcased products ranging from intelligent heavy machinery to green energy technologies. He added that the exhibition aimed to strengthen commercial exchange and explore new business opportunities, fostering mutual benefits for both Chinese and Nigerian enterprises.
Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by Commissioner Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, urged Nigerian businesses to leverage the Expo for technology transfer, skills acquisition, manufacturing growth, and strategic partnerships to boost industrialisation, productivity, and economic diversification. He further emphasised China’s one-point-five billion dollars investment in Lagos and across Nigeria, highlighting its contributions to industrialisation, job creation, economic diversification, skills development, and advancing infrastructure as drivers of shared prosperity.
Dr Olubunmi Kole-Dawodu of SMEDAN noted that small and medium enterprises would benefit from access to technologies, finance, raw materials, skills development, and partnerships, positioning them to contribute effectively to national economic growth and innovation.