China has announced that its imports from Nigeria increased by 81 percent during the first half of 2026, citing stronger bilateral trade relations and the impact of its zero-tariff policy on Nigerian exports.
According to the Chinese Embassy in Abuja, imports from Nigeria reached $2.25 billion between January and June 2026. The embassy said imports stood at $360 million in May, a 44 percent increase compared to the same month in 2025, before rising to $440 million in June, representing a 42 percent year-on-year increase.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, embassy spokesperson Zhu Songbo said the growth reflects expanding trade cooperation between both countries. He explained that differences between Chinese and Nigerian investment figures are largely due to different statistical methods used by the two countries.
The embassy maintained that Chinese investments in Nigeria are mainly long-term direct investments focused on sectors such as manufacturing, infrastructure, and other productive industries aimed at supporting Nigeria's industrial development.
This follows reports by Nigeria's National Bureau of Statistics showing a decline in Chinese capital inflows during the first quarter of 2026. However, the embassy stated that Chinese records indicate direct investment in Nigeria exceeded $50 million during the same period, remaining largely unchanged from the previous year.
It also noted that similar discrepancies had occurred in previous years. While Nigerian statistics recorded Chinese capital importation at $38.66 million in 2025, Chinese data estimated direct investment at approximately $390 million for the same year.
Highlighting ongoing investments, the embassy said the Lekki Free Trade Zone has attracted more than $1.5 billion in cumulative Chinese investment, created over 8,000 direct jobs, and welcomed seven new enterprises in the first half of 2026.
China further reaffirmed its confidence in Nigeria's economy, stating that more Chinese companies are expanding their presence in the country through investments that promote industrial growth, employment, and economic development.
The embassy added that since May 1, 2026, China has granted zero-tariff access to all products originating from Nigeria and 52 other African countries with diplomatic relations with Beijing, saying the policy is already contributing to increased trade between both nations.
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