China’s exports to Nigeria climbed to a record $24.9 billion in 2025, reversing three consecutive years of decline and extending a decade-long expansion that has reinforced China’s dominance in Nigeria’s import structure.
Data from China’s National Bureau of Statistics, seen by BusinessDay, revealed that exports rose from $18.9 billion in 2024 to $24.9 billion in 2025, the highest level recorded in nine years. The figure surpasses the previous peak of $22.6 billion reached in 2021 and is nearly three times the $9.72 billion recorded in 2016.
The long-term trajectory reflects structural growth rather than isolated spikes. Between 2016 and 2019, exports increased steadily from $9.72 billion to about $16.8 billion as Nigerian importers expanded purchases of machinery, electronics, industrial equipment, and consumer goods to support rising consumption and industrial activity. China consolidated its position as a primary supplier of manufactured goods during this period.
