Nigeria’s exports to China record strong growth as both countries deepen economic ties
Bilateral trade between Nigeria and China reached about $18 billion in the first half of 2026, highlighting the continued growth of economic relations between the two countries.
Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, said trade grew by about 35 per cent year-on-year during the period. He added that China’s imports from Nigeria recorded particularly strong growth.
Trade reaches $17.4 billion
Speaking at a reception in Abuja on September 23 to mark the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, Yu put first-half bilateral trade at $17.4 billion.
The figure represents a 35 per cent increase compared with the same period in 2025.
The ambassador also said China’s imports from Nigeria rose by 81 per cent year-on-year.
An earlier statement by the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria had rounded the first-half trade figure to about $18 billion. It estimated Nigerian exports to China at about $2.3 billion.
The figures indicate growth in overall trade and a rise in Nigerian exports to the Chinese market.
Nigeria seeks greater access to China
China remains one of Nigeria’s major trading and investment partners.
Chinese machinery, electrical equipment, vehicles, industrial products and consumer goods continue to play a significant role in the Nigerian market.
Nigeria, meanwhile, exports energy products, minerals, agricultural commodities and other goods to China.
Recent agreements between the two countries are also expected to improve Nigerian access to the Chinese market.
They include a framework agreement on economic partnership for common development and a protocol covering the export of wild aquatic products from Nigeria to China.
China’s zero-tariff policy for African countries could provide further opportunities for Nigerian exporters.
The policy comes as Nigeria seeks to diversify its exports, expand domestic production and reduce dependence on crude oil.
Cooperation expands beyond trade
Economic cooperation between Nigeria and China is also expanding beyond merchandise trade.
The two countries are increasingly exploring opportunities in power, renewable energy, mining and mineral processing, agriculture, automobile manufacturing, the digital economy, infrastructure and local industrial production.
These areas are becoming an important part of discussions on the next phase of Nigeria-China economic cooperation.
Focus on industrialisation and investment
The development comes as Nigeria and China mark the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2026.
Both governments have also expressed interest in strengthening cooperation between China’s development priorities and Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The focus includes industrialisation, investment and technology cooperation.
For Nigeria, the next phase of the relationship will depend increasingly on whether rising trade volumes translate into stronger domestic manufacturing, greater value addition, increased non-oil exports and job creation.
The sharp rise in Chinese imports from Nigeria is therefore an important indicator of the changing structure of bilateral economic relations.
As Nigeria works to expand its industrial base and China increases market access for African products, the economic relationship is increasingly extending beyond traditional merchandise trade towards trade, investment and industrial cooperation.
