By Sodiq Adelakun
Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu has reaffirmed Lagos State’s readiness to leverage emerging business opportunities from new partnerships with the government and enterprises of the People’s Republic of China.
Speaking on Wednesday at the China Commodities Expo – Nigeria 2025 in Abuja, Sanwo-Olu said Lagos had strategically positioned itself as a global trade hub through major infrastructure projects such as the Lekki Deep Seaport and Lagos Free Zone.
The event, organised by China’s Trade Development Bureau under the Ministry of Commerce, attracted over 250 Chinese manufacturers and more than 5,000 business delegates from multiple sectors, including automobiles, renewable energy, textiles, manufacturing, and agriculture.
Represented by the Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Mrs. Folashade Ambrose, the Governor described the Expo as a vital platform to strengthen Nigeria–China economic relations, now valued at nearly $24 billion in bilateral trade.
“This Expo reflects how Lagos is embracing innovation, industrialisation, and inclusivity under our THEMES+ development agenda, a vision to build a resilient, globally competitive economy that creates jobs and uplifts communities,” Sanwo-Olu said.
He noted that Chinese investments exceeding $1.5 billion in Lagos and other parts of Nigeria had delivered not only physical infrastructure but also technology transfer and skills development, supporting the state’s long-term industrial growth.
Earlier, Yan Yuqing, Consul General of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, revealed that bilateral trade between both countries had reached $21.9 billion, representing about 8 per cent of China–Africa trade.
She added that overall trade between China and Africa rose to approximately $280 billion in 2024, maintaining China’s position as Africa’s largest trading partner for the 16th consecutive year.
Highlighting major projects including the Lagos–Ibadan Railway, Lagos Light Rail, and agricultural modernisation schemes, Yuqing said the collaboration symbolised China’s commitment to “inject new momentum into the stability of the global industrial chain.”
According to Yuqing, the 15th Five-Year Plan recently adopted by the Communist Party of China aims to expand market access, optimise the business environment, and advance the Belt and Road Initiative.
“This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and the 54th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Nigeria. Our partnership has yielded fruitful results,” she said.
Also speaking, Wang Deyang, Deputy Director of China’s Trade Development Bureau, noted that the exhibition covered diverse sectors such as intelligent machinery, agricultural tools, green building materials, and new energy technologies.
“We hope this exhibition will bring more business opportunities to enterprises from both countries,” Deyang stated.