216 Chinese Investors Target Nigeria’s Key Sectors After Landmark Nigeria-China Summit
At the recent Nigeria-China Sustainable Business Bilateral Trade and Investment Summit held on June 23, 2025, in Lagos, over 216 Chinese investors expressed significant interest in various Nigerian sectors, including oil and gas, agriculture, ICT, manufacturing, and fintech. The event was organized by the National Assembly through Merited Negotiation Consulting and attended by top government officials and business leaders from both countries. The summit saw the participation of 175 Nigerian CEOs, 115 Chinese CEOs, along with other critical stakeholders from financial advisory, commerce, and federal ministries.
Representatives from seven Free Trade Zones and several Nigerian governors—including those from Delta, Ogun, Kano, and Osun states—were also present, alongside key Chinese dignitaries such as Ambassador Yu Duhai and the Chinese Consul General. Discussions focused on strengthening bilateral ties, opening new investment pipelines, and building institutional collaborations. The China Chamber of Commerce and other Chinese business bodies also played active roles in engaging Nigerian officials and entrepreneurs.
Out of the 216 potential investors, sectors of interest were diverse: 53 focused on agriculture, 62 on manufacturing and trading, and 41 on oil and gas. The ICT and fintech sectors drew 33 and 17 investors respectively, while mining, pharmaceuticals, infrastructure, and capacity-building also attracted significant attention. The summit laid the groundwork for future projects, with several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) signed in areas like trade logistics, infrastructure, and the blue economy.
A major outcome of the summit is the follow-up China Summit scheduled for October 16, 2025, where Nigerian CEOs will pitch directly to Chinese funding networks. Organizers credit Nigeria’s proactive foreign policy under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the strategic involvement of ministries and legislative bodies for making this milestone possible. Talks are also underway to streamline visa processes for Nigerian business delegates traveling to China.
The summit is seen as a pivotal moment in Nigeria-China economic diplomacy, moving beyond investment attraction to building sustainable partnerships. Stakeholders emphasize the potential for long-term value through technology transfer, job creation, and innovation. The collaborative energy from the Lagos summit is expected to drive tangible results, marking a shift towards deeper bilateral economic integration.
Source: Leadership