The Federal Government of Nigeria has urged China to extend its recent trade tariff removal to Nigeria, as it has done for 33 other African countries. This appeal was made by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, during a diplomatic meeting with the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai.
In a statement released by her media aide, Odumegwu-Ojukwu emphasized Nigeria’s commitment to industrialization and economic diversification under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. She stressed the importance of China’s support in key economic sectors such as electric vehicle assembly, digital technology, renewable energy, and agriculture to foster sustainable development and mutual economic growth.
“Nigeria has enjoyed a robust and mutually beneficial relationship with China for over five decades. As we continue to prioritize economic diversification and industrialization, we seek China’s collaboration in strategic areas that will drive sustainable development. Granting Nigeria the same trade tariff relief extended to 33 other African nations would further deepen our economic partnership,” she stated.
The minister acknowledged China’s significant role in Nigeria’s infrastructure development, particularly in the construction of roads and rail networks, which have facilitated trade and improved connectivity across the country. She also highlighted Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to modernize its power sector and ports, which are critical to attracting more foreign investments and improving ease of doing business.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu further underscored the growing interest among Nigerian youths in learning the Chinese language and culture, emphasizing that cultural exchange programs play a vital role in strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations.
In response, Ambassador Yu Dunhai reaffirmed China’s commitment to enhancing its strategic partnership with Nigeria. He noted that Nigeria remains a key ally in Africa, with trade between the two countries surpassing $21 billion in the past year. Additionally, Nigerian exports to China recorded a 25% increase, signaling a growing economic relationship.
“China regards Nigeria as a great nation and a significant player on the global stage. We fully support Nigeria’s inclusion in the G-20 and remain dedicated to fostering cooperation in trade, infrastructure, and financial partnerships,” Dunhai stated.
He also highlighted the crucial role of manufacturing in Nigeria’s industrialization drive and underscored the importance of the recently renewed $2 billion currency swap agreement between both nations. According to him, this agreement would further enhance trade and investment flows, making transactions between Nigerian and Chinese businesses more seamless.
The Chinese envoy reiterated China’s willingness to support Nigeria’s economic transformation agenda and assured that discussions regarding the possible inclusion of Nigeria in the tariff-free trade policy would be relayed to the relevant authorities in Beijing.
With Nigeria seeking to expand its economic frontiers and reduce its dependency on crude oil revenues, stronger trade ties with China—one of the world’s largest economies—could play a crucial role in boosting exports, industrial productivity, and overall economic stability.
Stakeholders in Nigeria’s trade and investment sector have lauded the government’s proactive engagement with China, expressing optimism that the request for tariff removal would be favorably considered. If granted, it is expected to provide Nigerian businesses with greater access to the Chinese market, leading to increased trade volumes and stronger economic collaboration between both nations.
