Nigeria is set to unlock new levels of industrial growth and economic transformation as the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP) ramps up efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation with China. According to Joseph Tegbe, the Director-General of NCSP, ongoing engagements are designed to position Nigeria as a hub for industrialisation, technological advancement, and expanded trade within the Asian market.
Speaking during a media interactive session in Abuja, Tegbe emphasised that the NCSP plays a critical role in fostering productive partnerships between Nigerian stakeholders and Chinese investors, ensuring that agreements translate into tangible, long-term benefits for Nigeria’s economy.
Tegbe revealed that Nigeria has already secured over $20 billion in investment commitments across critical sectors, including agriculture, automotive manufacturing, mining, steel production, and energy. These investments are expected to boost food security, create thousands of jobs, and accelerate Nigeria’s shift toward industrial self-sufficiency.
“Our focus is to ensure that Nigeria not only implements projects under the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) efficiently but also leverages Chinese expertise, technology, and financing to reactivate the country’s manufacturing and industrial base,” Tegbe said.
He added that the NCSP is working to pave the way for Nigerian-made products to access Chinese and broader Asian markets, while also fast-tracking the execution of strategic, game-changing national development projects later this year.
The NCSP’s activities are closely aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises large-scale industrialisation, job creation, and national infrastructure upgrades. Tegbe, who is widely regarded as a key policy bridge between government agencies and private investors, noted that the NCSP is actively coordinating efforts across ministries, the private sector, and diplomatic circles to ensure Nigeria maximises trade and investment opportunities with China.
“Our mandate is clear: we are here to help Nigeria transition from being an import-dependent economy to becoming a strong player in global value chains,” Tegbe added.
Nigeria-China relations were elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in recent years, laying the groundwork for enhanced cooperation in trade, infrastructure, and technology. Under FOCAC, Nigeria has been implementing multiple development projects, including agro-industrial estates, automotive assembly plants, renewable energy projects, and mining exploration initiatives.
Tegbe also highlighted the NCSP’s commitment to ensuring due diligence in project implementation, saying: “We must guarantee that every partnership delivers real economic value and sustainable development.”
A key component of NCSP’s strategy involves market access expansion for Nigerian products in China and other Asian countries. Tegbe disclosed that high-level discussions are underway to facilitate export agreements for Nigerian agricultural produce, solid minerals, and manufactured goods.
Experts say this move could significantly reduce Nigeria’s trade deficit with China while boosting foreign exchange earnings. Trade analysts also predict that increased market access could stimulate local production, enhance competitiveness, and attract more foreign direct investment (FDI).
China remains Nigeria’s largest trading partner in Asia, with bilateral trade volumes surpassing $20 billion annually. However, economic experts argue that the trade balance has long favoured China, a situation the NCSP intends to address through increased local production and value addition.
Tegbe reiterated that NCSP’s goal is to ensure that Nigeria moves from being a raw material exporter to becoming an industrialised economy producing finished goods for global markets.
“Our approach is to shift Nigeria’s role in global trade from that of a primary goods supplier to a value-added exporter,” he said.
The renewed Nigeria-China partnership signals a transformative shift for Africa’s largest economy. If successfully implemented, these strategic investments could fast-track Nigeria’s industrialisation, create millions of jobs, and establish the country as a key player in Africa’s emerging blue and green economies.
For many economic observers, this collaboration reflects a new chapter of mutual benefit, where Nigeria can leverage Chinese expertise and financing while China gains a strong partner in Africa’s most populous market.