China has expressed support for Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms and called for sustained efforts to consolidate them beyond 2027, as both countries seek to expand trade and investment cooperation.
China’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, made the remarks during a courtesy visit to First Lady Oluremi Tinubu in Abuja. He cited increased bilateral trade, changes in Nigeria’s macroeconomic indicators and investor confidence as developments he believes reflect progress in the country’s economic transformation.
Dunhai disclosed that trade between Nigeria and China reached $18 billion in the first half of 2026, representing a 35 per cent increase compared with the corresponding period of the previous year. He also pointed to growth in Chinese imports from Nigeria, which the Chinese government has reported as rising significantly during the period.
The ambassador said China was prepared to deepen investment and pursue partnerships with Nigeria in areas of mutual interest. He emphasised the importance of investments that deliver practical benefits and make use of local human resources.
His comments reflect Beijing’s stated interest in expanding economic engagement with Nigeria amid the Federal Government’s reform agenda. The two countries have continued to explore cooperation in trade and other sectors, with agriculture identified during the meeting as an area offering opportunities for further collaboration.
Responding, the First Lady described China’s recognition of the administration’s reform efforts as encouraging. She said the support of a longstanding strategic partner was important as Nigeria pursued its development objectives.
Oluremi Tinubu welcomed China’s interest in Nigeria’s agricultural sector, particularly the potential use of technology to improve productivity and strengthen food security.
“When friendship has transcended this long, it begins to yield results, and we are beginning to see the results now,” she said.
The proposed agricultural cooperation comes as Nigeria continues to seek ways to improve food production and strengthen its capacity to meet domestic demand. Technology transfer and investment could support these objectives, although the practical benefits would depend on the details and implementation of any agreements reached.
Nigeria and China elevated their bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2024 during President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to China. The framework provides a basis for continued engagement across economic and other areas of cooperation.
While the reported trade figures indicate expanding commercial ties, the overall value of bilateral trade does not by itself establish how the gains are distributed between the two countries or across individual sectors.
Dunhai’s call for continuity beyond 2027 signals China’s preference for sustained economic engagement with Nigeria. Any future expansion of cooperation will depend on decisions by both governments, investment commitments and the implementation of agreed projects.
Deborah Adeyefa
