The Consul-General of the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China, Ms. Yan Yuqing, has lauded Nigeria as a pivotal partner in China-Africa cooperation, particularly in the implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). During the Lagos Forum 2024, Ms. Yan revealed that the trade volume between Nigeria and China surged to $22.6 billion in 2023, marking a significant increase in bilateral trade.
Speaking at the event, Ms. Yan highlighted Nigeria’s status as a pilot country for China-Africa cooperation under the BRI framework. She emphasized the deepening economic and trade ties between the two nations, noting that Nigeria’s exports to China soared by 50 percent over the past year.
The Lagos Forum 2024, hosted by the Nigeria Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) in collaboration with the Consulate-General of the People’s Republic of China, also witnessed the launch of a new book titled “The Chinese in the Nigerian Economy,” authored by Mr. Ikenna Emewu.
Ms. Yan underscored the significance of the economic and trade cooperation mechanisms established between China and Nigeria, highlighting the creation of robust cooperation platforms. She cited notable infrastructure projects, including the Lekki Deep Sea Port and the Lagos Blue Line and Red Line Light Railway, constructed by Chinese enterprises. These projects, Ms. Yan noted, have not only stimulated local economic and social development but have also made substantial contributions to the deepening of bilateral economic and trade cooperation. The remarks by Ms. Yan reaffirm China’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with Nigeria and fostering mutual growth and development. The growing trade volume and investment in critical infrastructure projects signal the deepening of bilateral relations between the two nations, poised to yield significant benefits for both economies.
