China–Nigeria trade volume has exceeded $22 billion, the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, has disclosed.
Speaking at the 1st Annual China–Nigeria Government Exchange Programme Alumni Reunion Gala in Abuja, the envoy said bilateral trade in 2025 has already surpassed last year’s total, underscoring the growing economic partnership between both countries.
According to him, China’s direct investment in Nigeria rose by 130 percent, while Nigeria’s exports to China increased by over 200 percent within the same period.
“This bilateral relationship is not only political; it is fundamentally about people-to-people relations,” Yu said. “I am happy to announce that our trade volume this year has surpassed $22 billion, exceeding last year’s total.”
The ambassador said China is working closely with Nigerian authorities to implement the zero-tariff policy announced in June 2025, under which China grants duty-free access to 100 percent of products from all 53 African countries, including Nigeria.
“We are working very closely with the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment to implement the zero-tariff policy. This will expand Nigeria’s exports to China and strengthen Nigeria’s position in the global trading system,” he stated.
Yu described Nigeria and China as natural partners, noting that both countries share similar development aspirations and a common interest in reforming global governance to ensure stronger African representation on the world stage.
He also revealed that more than 10,000 Nigerians have so far benefited from Chinese government-sponsored exchange and training programmes, covering sectors such as governance, poverty reduction, manufacturing, agriculture, public health, science and technology, digital economy, trade and investment.
“These programmes not only build individual capacity but also contribute directly to Nigeria’s economic and social development,” the envoy said, adding that programme alumni are drawn from cities including Abuja, Lagos, Maiduguri and Ibadan.
Michael Olugbode
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