Nigerian and Chinese business leaders have agreed to strengthen economic ties by expanding cooperation in key sectors such as trade, artificial intelligence, healthcare, agriculture, renewable energy, infrastructure, manufacturing and industrial development.
The commitment was made during the Nigeria-China Investment Summit 2026, held in Lagos. The event was organised by the Nigeria-China Investment Club (NCIC) under the theme, “Building Strategic Partnerships for Investment, Industrialisation, Job Creation, and Sustainable Economic Growth Between Nigeria and China.”
The summit brought together business executives, investors and representatives of government-backed Chinese investment organisations to explore new opportunities for investment and economic cooperation between both countries.
Speaking at the event, the President of the Nigeria-China Investment Club, Dr. Chidi Uleli, said the partnership between the club and the China International Business Development Committee would encourage more private-sector investments in important sectors of Nigeria’s economy.
According to him, the Chinese organisation is supported by the Chinese government and has over 40 million members, including more than 200 billionaire entrepreneurs and investors with interests in infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare, digital payment systems, renewable energy and other industries.
Uleli explained that the investors are not simply interested in selling products in Nigeria. Instead, they want to establish long-term partnerships that will support industrial growth, create businesses and improve the country’s economy.
He said the summit was designed to produce real investment outcomes rather than ending with discussions alone.
According to him, the initiative will connect businesses, investors and government agencies while reducing delays often associated with public sector processes. He added that businesses participating in the programme would quickly gain access to trade opportunities between Nigeria and China.
Uleli also highlighted the huge market available in China, saying Nigerian businesses stand to benefit greatly if they can successfully export products to even a small percentage of Chinese consumers.
He stressed that increased investment in agriculture, infrastructure, digital technology and energy would help drive economic growth, improve productivity and create employment opportunities across Nigeria.
He further noted that the long-term goal of the partnership is to support Nigeria’s industrial development, improve living standards and encourage local production instead of dependence on imported goods.
Also speaking at the summit, the Executive Chairman of the China Association for International Economic Cooperation, Sarah Lee, described Nigeria as one of Africa’s most promising investment destinations.
She said Chinese investors are ready to work with Nigerian partners to establish industries in agriculture, healthcare, renewable energy, construction, education and infrastructure.
According to Lee, the collaboration will combine Chinese technology, machinery and industrial expertise with Nigeria’s economic opportunities to establish factories, industrial parks, hospitals and educational institutions.
She expressed confidence that these investments would increase government revenue, create thousands of jobs, improve household incomes and strengthen Nigeria’s economy within the next few years.
Also addressing participants, Solomon Iwu-Ejike, Director of Carbonex and a partner of the Nigeria-China Investment Club, called for greater technology transfer from China to Nigeria.
He said Nigeria would benefit greatly if Chinese companies shared their advanced production technologies and manufacturing expertise with local industries.
Iwu-Ejike also urged stronger cooperation in the power sector, noting that stable and affordable electricity remains essential for industrial development and economic growth.
He further appealed for better quality control to ensure that goods imported from China consistently meet agreed standards and specifications.
The summit also featured presentations from Zhang Xiaoheng, Chairman of the China International Business Development Committee and Director of China 315, alongside discussions on expanding cooperation in frontier artificial intelligence, manufacturing, export promotion, medicine, renewable energy and other sectors.
Participants expressed optimism that stronger collaboration between Nigeria and China would attract more investments, boost local industries, create employment opportunities and support sustainable economic development in both countries.
