Nigeria and China are poised to further strengthen their economic ties as the 2025 edition of the China Commodities Expo-Nigeria prepares to welcome over 250 Chinese manufacturers and more than 5,000 business representatives. The highly anticipated trade event, scheduled for November 5 to 7, 2025, in Lagos, promises to be a significant platform for fostering bilateral trade, investment, and cooperation across multiple sectors.
Organized by Brightway International Exhibition in partnership with the Trade Development Bureau of China’s Ministry of Commerce, the expo has grown steadily since its inception in 2007. Muheez Ojulari, Chief Representative Officer of Brightway International Exhibition, emphasized the expo’s critical role in connecting Nigerian enterprises directly with Chinese manufacturers. He described the event as “a unique face-to-face platform for Nigerian companies to explore trade opportunities, gain access to new markets, and foster long-lasting partnerships.”
The 2025 expo comes at a time when economic relations between Nigeria and China have shown remarkable progress. Data from Chinese customs reveal that bilateral trade between the two nations reached a staggering $23.9 billion in 2022. China’s exports to Nigeria accounted for $22.3 billion, while imports from Nigeria stood at $1.6 billion. The first three quarters of 2023 saw continued growth, with trade volume hitting $17.25 billion and a 22.5 percent increase in Chinese imports from Nigeria compared to the same period the previous year.
This growth underscores the rising importance of China as Nigeria’s leading trade partner. The expo aims not only to boost trade but also to attract venture capital investments, particularly to support innovative business ideas spearheaded by Nigerian youth. Ojulari highlighted that “beyond trade, the expo seeks to promote local entrepreneurship, job creation, and poverty reduction, by fostering collaboration between African entrepreneurs and Chinese investors.”
China’s investments in Nigeria have expanded significantly in recent years, with over $1.5 billion committed to the development of strategic economic zones like the Lekki Free Trade Zone and Ogun-Guangdong Free Trade Zone. These investments have generated more than 7,000 jobs and are expected to contribute substantially to Nigeria’s industrialization and economic diversification efforts.
The announcement of the 2025 China Commodities Expo follows the successful 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Summit, where Nigerian and Chinese leaders agreed to elevate their partnership to a comprehensive strategic alliance. This commitment signals a renewed focus on strengthening trade, infrastructure development, and technology exchange between the two countries.
Nigerian business owners, investors, and policymakers are optimistic that the expo will open new avenues for economic growth. Many look forward to leveraging the event to secure better access to Chinese products, technology, and financing options that can stimulate local industries and enhance Nigeria’s position in the global market.
As Nigeria continues to diversify its economy away from oil dependency, events like the China Commodities Expo provide essential platforms for expanding industrial capacity, encouraging foreign direct investment, and facilitating knowledge transfer. The expo’s support from the Chinese Consulate in Lagos and Nigerian government agencies further highlights its strategic importance.
In summary, the 2025 China Commodities Expo-Nigeria stands as a milestone event expected to deepen trade ties, enhance bilateral cooperation, and foster sustainable economic development. Nigerian enterprises and entrepreneurs are encouraged to seize this opportunity to engage with Chinese partners and explore the vast potential of the growing Nigeria-China economic relationship.