Imports from Nigeria rose 81% in H1 2026 — China

Imports from Nigeria into China experienced a significant increase of 81% in the first half of 2026, reaching $2.25 billion, according to the Chinese Embassy in Abuja. The embassy attributes this growth to expanding bilateral trade and China's implementation of a zero-tariff policy for Nigerian goods.

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According to Chinese statistics, China’s imports from Nigeria totalled $2.25bn between January and June 2026, compared with the corresponding period last year.

Data from the Chinese Embassy indicates that China's imports from Nigeria totaled $2.25 billion between January and June 2026, a substantial rise compared to the same period last year. Specifically, imports reached $360 million in May, marking a 44% year-on-year increase, and further climbed to $440 million in June, up 42%.

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China’s imports from Nigeria reached $360m in May, representing a 44 per cent year-on-year increase, and rose further to $440m in June, up 42 per cent.

The embassy addressed apparent discrepancies between its figures and those published by Nigeria's National Bureau of Statistics, explaining that these differences stem from varying statistical methodologies. China's investment in Nigeria is primarily characterized as long-term direct investment, focusing on the real economy, including manufacturing and infrastructure, aimed at supporting Nigeria's sustainable development.

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The apparent difference between the two sets of figures is primarily attributable to differences in statistical methodology. China’s investment in Nigeria mainly takes the form of direct investment, with a strong focus on the real economy, including manufacturing and infrastructure.

This report contrasts with previous findings by The PUNCH, which indicated a 40.9% fall in capital inflows from China to Nigeria in the first quarter of 2026. The National Bureau of Statistics report showed capital importation from China declined to $9.39 million in Q1 2026 from $15.89 million in the corresponding quarter of 2025. The embassy, however, stated that Chinese direct investment in Nigeria exceeded $50 million in the first quarter of 2026, broadly unchanged from the previous year, emphasizing its long-term orientation and commitment to mutually beneficial cooperation.

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Such investment is characterised by its long-term orientation and commitment to mutually beneficial cooperation, with the aim of supporting Nigeria’s sustainable economic development and industrialisation.