Nigeria and China are set to boost trade relations through the 2025 China Commodities Expo-Nigeria, expected to host over 250 Chinese manufacturers and more than 5,000 business representatives in Lagos.
The expo is being organised by Brightway International Exhibition in collaboration with the Trade Development Bureau of the Chinese Ministry of Commerce. It will take place from November 5 to 7, 2025, and is supported by the Chinese Consulate in Lagos and various Nigerian government agencies.
In a statement released on Thursday, the Chief Representative Officer of Brightway, Muheez Ojulari, described the expo as a major event that has become one of Nigeria’s most important trade platforms since its launch in 2007. He said the goal is to help Nigerian businesses build stronger ties with Chinese manufacturers.
“This edition will provide a unique face-to-face platform for Nigerian enterprises to engage with Chinese manufacturers, explore trade opportunities, and access new markets,” Ojulari said.
The organisers said the 2025 event is coming at a time when Nigeria-China trade relations are expanding. According to data from Chinese customs, trade between the two countries reached $23.9 billion in 2022, with China exporting $22.3 billion worth of goods to Nigeria and importing $1.6 billion.
In the first nine months of 2023, trade between the two countries already stood at $17.25 billion, with Chinese imports from Nigeria increasing by 22.5% compared to the same period in 2022.
Ojulari noted that apart from trade, the expo will also focus on promoting innovation and supporting Nigerian youth. “We aim to attract venture capital to support innovative business ideas, especially from young Nigerians. This is how we can drive job creation and reduce poverty,” he said.
He added that Brightway and its Chinese partners are committed to building a stronger economic bridge between both nations that goes beyond just importing and exporting goods.
China has been increasing its investment in Nigeria in recent years. Over $1.5 billion has been invested in key projects such as the Lekki Free Trade Zone and the Ogun-Guangdong Free Trade Zone, both of which have created over 7,000 jobs. Many Chinese companies now operate in sectors such as manufacturing, infrastructure, and logistics within Nigeria.
The announcement of the 2025 expo follows agreements made during the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit, where both Nigerian and Chinese officials agreed to deepen their partnership and build a comprehensive strategic relationship.
Analysts say the upcoming expo is expected to help close the trade gap between the two countries by creating more opportunities for Nigerian exports. It will also allow Nigerian businesses to network directly with potential Chinese investors and manufacturers looking to enter the African market.
The organisers said the 2025 expo will feature product exhibitions, trade matchmaking sessions, and business seminars to help participants explore partnership opportunities across different sectors such as technology, electronics, textiles, home appliances, and construction materials.
With Nigeria aiming to reduce its reliance on oil and boost non-oil exports, trade platforms like the China Commodities Expo could play an important role in diversifying the country’s economy and creating long-term business opportunities.
