Market News

BY Arinze Nwafor

Nigeria and China are set to strengthen trade relations through the 2025 edition of the China Commodities Expo-Nigeria, with over 250 Chinese manufacturers and more than 5,000 business representatives expected to participate.

According to a statement, Brightway International Exhibition, in collaboration with the Trade Development Bureau of China’s Ministry of Commerce, is organising the expo scheduled to be held from November 5 to 7, 2025, in Lagos.

Chief Representative Officer of Brightway International Exhibition, Muheez Ojulari, described the Expo as “a key platform for fostering cooperation across multiple sectors,” noting that the event has grown into one of Nigeria’s most prominent trade showcases since its inception in 2007.

“This edition will provide a unique face-to-face platform for Nigerian enterprises to engage with Chinese manufacturers, explore trade opportunities, and access new markets,” Ojulari stated.

According to the organisers, the 2025 edition, supported by the Chinese Consulate in Lagos and Nigerian government agencies, comes at a time of deepening economic ties between both nations.

According to Chinese customs data, bilateral trade between Nigeria and China reached $23.9bn in 2022. Of this, China exported $22.3bn worth of goods to Nigeria and imported $1.6bn.

In the first three quarters of 2023 alone, trade stood at $17.25bn, with Chinese imports from Nigeria rising by 22.5 per cent compared to the same period in 2022.

Ojulari also said the event aims to attract venture capital to support innovative business ideas by Nigerian youth, thereby driving job creation and reducing poverty.

“Beyond trade, we want to support local entrepreneurship. We are ready to collaborate with African partners to build a more comprehensive and mutually beneficial economic relationship,” he stated.

China’s investment in Nigeria has seen continued growth, with over $1.5bn committed to the Lekki Free Trade Zone and Ogun-Guangdong Free Trade Zone, creating over 7,000 jobs.

The Expo announcement comes on the heels of the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Summit, where Nigerian and Chinese leaders agreed to elevate ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership.