China has signalled a major boost for Nigerian trade, with its ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, announcing Beijing’s readiness to introduce a zero-tariff policy for goods exported from Nigeria ahead of schedule.
The pledge came during a meeting in Abuja with Nigeria’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, where both sides reflected on 55 years of diplomatic ties and looked ahead to the 2026 China–Africa Year of Cultural Exchanges.
Ambassador Yu said the accelerated implementation of the policy would reinforce strategic trust between the two nations, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, and generate tangible benefits for citizens in both countries.
He emphasised that the China–Nigeria comprehensive strategic partnership had entered “the fast track”, supported by the vision set out in the Chinese Communist Party’s recommendations for the 15th Five-Year Plan, which underscores China’s commitment to high-standard opening-up and shared global development.
Responding to the announcement, Tuggar praised China as one of Nigeria’s most significant strategic partners and reiterated Nigeria’s dedication to strengthening the relationship.
He highlighted China’s role in supporting Nigeria’s social and economic progress and reaffirmed Nigeria’s adherence to the One-China principle.
Tuggar added that Nigeria was eager to align development strategies, broaden cooperation in manufacturing, trade and investment, and elevate the partnership to new levels.
China had earlier in the year expanded its zero-tariff treatment to cover all tariff lines for the 53 African countries with which it maintains diplomatic relations, positioning the new commitment to Nigeria as part of a broader push to deepen Sino-African economic engagement.
Copyright Ships & Ports Ltd. Permission to use quotations from this article is granted subject to appropriate credit given to www.shipsandports.com.ng as the source.