Bilateral trade between Nigeria and China surged to $15.48 billion between January and July 2025, representing a 34.7 per cent increase compared with the same period in 2024, Yan Yuqing, Consul-General of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos, has disclosed.
Yuqinq announced on Sunday at a reception in Lagos held to commemorate three historic occasions: the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, Nigeria’s 64th independence anniversary, and the Mid-Autumn Festival.
She described the sharp rise in trade volumes as proof of the growing strength of China-Nigeria relations, noting that Nigeria has become China’s second-largest trading partner in Africa.
According to the envoy, the upgrade of relations between both nations to a comprehensive strategic partnership at the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) has opened “broader prospects for cooperation” in key sectors.
These include infrastructure, energy resources, investment, culture, and education, areas she said continue to bring “tangible benefits” to citizens of both countries.
“From January to July 2025, bilateral trade reached US$15.483 billion, marking a 34.7 per cent year-on-year increase, with Nigeria becoming China’s second-largest trading partner in Africa.
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“Cooperation in infrastructure, investment and trade, energy resources, culture and education continues to deepen,” Yuqing said.
She also highlighted China’s economic resilience despite global uncertainties, pointing out that the Asian giant recorded 5.3 per cent GDP growth in the first half of 2025 while maintaining its global leadership in innovation.
The Consul-General praised the Chinese community in Nigeria for contributing to cultural exchanges, local development, and charity initiatives, urging them to continue to play a key role as “bridge-builders” in strengthening bilateral friendship.
She reassured that the Consulate would continue to safeguard the welfare of Chinese nationals in Nigeria and provide support for enterprises operating in the country.
“China-Nigeria relations are at their best in history, with profound prospects for cooperation. I urge you all to be bridge-builders in deepening China-Nigeria friendship, uphold unity and mutual assistance, and strive to be the vanguards in safe and lawful business operations,” she noted.
Yuqing further emphasised that the Chinese Consulate-General in Lagos would uphold its principle of “diplomacy for the people”, prioritising the needs of Chinese citizens and businesses in Nigeria.
She pledged the provision of high-quality and efficient services to support their work and daily lives while fostering deeper bilateral ties.
