Nigeria, China deepen relations to accelerate industrialisation drive

Zakirudeen Oladotun, the China Relations Executive of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), has held a high-level engagement with Wang Yingqi, Minister Counsellor at the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China.

The meeting, which took place in Abuja, came shortly after Oladotun’s appointment to the strategic role, a recognition of his significant contributions to NACCIMA’s successful participation at the 138th Canton Fair in Guangzhou, China, and his expertise in trade facilitation and economic diplomacy.

Also in attendance was Zhu Xuetao, an attaché at the Chinese Embassy.

In a statement to the journalists, Oladotun revealed that discussions centred on practical pathways to expand China-Nigeria economic cooperation, boost trade opportunities, and fast-track Nigeria’s industrialisation agenda.

“Our conversation focused on aligning Nigeria’s private-sector ambitions with the vast opportunities within China’s industrial and innovation ecosystem, especially in manufacturing, agro-processing, the digital economy, technology transfer, and SME development,” he said.

He added that the meeting also examined emerging opportunities under the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), particularly its frameworks for industrial partnerships, capacity development, investment facilitation, and trade expansion.

For his part, Wang Yingqi reaffirmed China’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Nigeria, he pledged deeper cooperation on initiatives that would support Nigeria’s aspiration of building a $1 trillion economy by 2030.

The engagement marked a significant step in NACCIMA’s efforts to deepen private-sector ties with China and open up broader economic opportunities for its members.

Oladotun commended Jani Ibrahim, NACCIMA President, for his visionary leadership and steadfast dedication to advancing Nigeria’s private sector.

“His commitment to international economic diplomacy and strategic partnerships has created the enabling platform for engagements such as today’s meeting to thrive. His guidance remains instrumental as we work to position Nigerian businesses for global relevance,” he added.

According to Oladotun, Nigeria stands on the threshold of profound economic transformation, and the private sector must take a bold lead.

He reaffirmed his commitment to working under NACCIMA’s strategic leadership to move Nigeria closer to its industrial future.