The trade volume between Nigeria and China exceeded $20 billion in 2024, marking a significant milestone in the growing economic ties between the two nations, the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, revealed on Saturday.
Speaking at the 2025 Chinese Lunar New Year celebration held at the Chinese Cultural Centre in Abuja, Ambassador Dunhai highlighted China’s eagerness to deepen its economic partnership with Nigeria, describing the country as a vital trade ally in Africa.
“Nigeria is the country where China has the largest engineering contract, the second-largest exporting market, and the third-largest trade partner for China in Africa,” Dunhai said.
He noted that 2024 was a landmark year, culminating in the elevation of bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership during President Bola Tinubu’s visit to China.
The ambassador expressed optimism for the future, stating, “2025 will be a lot better.”
Cultural Exchange and Bilateral Relation
Ambassador Dunhai emphasized the importance of cultural ties, describing the Chinese New Year celebration as a platform for fostering closer people-to-people and cultural exchanges.
He also extended greetings to the Chinese and Nigerian communities, wishing them prosperity and joy in the Year of the Snake.
The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Mr. Oraeluno Raphael Obi, commended the historical relationship between Nigeria and China.
He likened the symbolism of the snake shedding its skin to the evolving bilateral ties between the two countries.
“The goodwill China has extended towards Nigeria in various sectors, particularly in culture and tourism, has been instrumental in enhancing our bilateral relationship,” Obi said.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening cultural ties through policies and programs that promote artistic collaboration and tourism.
Economic and Diplomatic Collaboration
The Deputy Director of the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism, Mr. Xu Zhen Tao, highlighted the long-standing friendship between Nigeria and China, dating back to the mid-20th century.
He underscored the role of the Belt and Road Initiative in fostering stability, prosperity, and development across Africa and globally.
Prof. Sheriff Ghali Ibrahim, Director of the Centre for Contemporary China-Africa Research in Nigeria, praised the event as an opportunity for cultural integration.
“This mutual understanding enables us to coexist peacefully, as we accept and appreciate the values and norms of other cultures,” he said.
China’s recognition of Nigeria’s cultural diversity and shared values such as family and community continues to solidify the partnership.
The ambassador concluded by reaffirming China’s commitment to leveraging the bilateral relationship for mutual economic and social benefits.
