The growing economic partnership between Nigeria and China received another boost on Wednesday as Chinese diplomats paid an official visit to the Ogun Guangdong Free Trade Zone (OGFTZ), one of Nigeria’s most active industrial and investment hubs.
The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Duanhai Yu, and the Chinese Consul-General in Lagos, Yuqing Yan, led the delegation that toured the expansive zone, underscoring its role as a strategic platform for industrial cooperation, trade facilitation, and bilateral investment.
In their remarks, the diplomats praised the contribution of the OGFTZ to Nigeria’s economy, stressing that the zone has become a hub for foreign direct investment, job creation, technology transfer, and industrial development since its establishment.
“The Ogun Guangdong Free Trade Zone is not just an investment destination; it is a symbol of the strong partnership between Nigeria and China.
Its achievements in industrial growth and job creation are remarkable and reflect the depth of our bilateral cooperation,” Yu said.
The ambassador also highlighted the significance of President Bola Tinubu’s recent state visit to Beijing, which he described as a milestone for bilateral relations.
According to Yu, both President Tinubu and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed to elevate relations between the two countries into a comprehensive strategic partnership, creating a stronger framework for cooperation.
“This new level of partnership will deepen collaboration in agriculture, trade and investment, manufacturing, and infrastructure development.
With China’s zero-tariff policy extended to all African countries with diplomatic relations, Nigeria stands to gain enormously in terms of market access and investor confidence,” Yu added.
He noted that more Chinese companies are expected to explore opportunities in Nigeria, particularly in renewable energy, digital technology, and heavy industry, areas where China has both expertise and capacity.
The OGFTZ, jointly developed by the Ogun State Government and Chinese investors, has evolved into a model of successful international collaboration in Nigeria’s industrialisation agenda.
Home to dozens of factories and manufacturing plants, the zone produces goods ranging from ceramics and steel to pharmaceuticals and electronics.
Governor Dapo Abiodun, represented at the event, described the free trade zone as a cornerstone of Ogun State’s economic development strategy.
He emphasised that the state remains committed to creating an enabling environment for investment, with policies that promote industrialisation, infrastructure expansion, and job creation.
“The presence of the Chinese government and investors here in Ogun reflects not just the strength of our partnership but also the trust in Ogun as Nigeria’s leading industrial destination.
We are determined to leverage this cooperation to drive economic growth and improve the livelihoods of our people,” the governor said.
The visit comes at a time when Nigeria is intensifying efforts to diversify its economy away from oil dependence and strengthen its manufacturing base.
Analysts note that China’s investments in Nigeria have already spanned key sectors such as railway development, power generation, telecommunications, and agriculture.
The OGFTZ is part of a broader network of Chinese-supported industrial zones in Africa designed to stimulate local manufacturing, reduce import dependence, and open up African markets to global trade.
For Nigeria, the zone is expected to play a critical role in boosting exports under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework.
With over $20 billion in cumulative Chinese investments in Nigeria, the bilateral relationship has become one of the most significant in Africa.
Wednesday’s diplomatic engagement further signals Beijing’s intention to strengthen its footprint in Nigeria, while Abuja seeks to capitalise on China’s industrial experience and financing capacity.
The visit by the Chinese diplomats to the Ogun Guangdong Free Trade Zone reinforces the strategic importance of Nigeria-China relations.
As the free trade zone continues to expand, stakeholders believe it will serve as a key driver for industrialisation, job creation, and knowledge transfer in Nigeria.
Both governments have expressed optimism that the strengthened partnership will not only benefit the two nations but also contribute to regional trade integration and Africa’s broader development goals.