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.

Hosted by China’s Ministry of Commerce and organised by its Trade Bureau, the expo 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, Yan Yuqing, said the exhibition reflected growing confidence and cooperation, supporting Nigeria’s development in the 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 in 2024, with Nigeria contributing $21.9 billion, representing about eight per cent of the total, demonstrating the country’s growing role in continental economic exchanges.

Deputy Director of China’s Trade Development Bureau, Wang Deyang, said 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 State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by 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 $1.5 billion 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.

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.

The expo featured products across multiple sectors.

The sectors included heavy machinery, agricultural technology, energy solutions, building materials, vehicles, textiles, cosmetics, and electronics, reflecting Nigeria’s growing industrial potential and opportunities for Chinese-Nigerian commercial cooperation. 

 (NAN)