China has offered a major boost to Nigeria’s export drive, with its ambassador to Abuja, Yu Dunhai, announcing that Beijing is ready to fast-track zero-tariff access for Nigerian goods ahead of the original schedule.
The pledge marks a renewed push to deepen economic cooperation as both nations celebrate 55 years of diplomatic relations and prepare for the 2026 China–Africa Year of Cultural Exchanges.
Yu made the disclosure during a meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, where both sides discussed expanding trade, strengthening strategic partnerships and aligning long-term development goals.
He said accelerating zero-tariff entry for Nigerian products would strengthen mutual trust and deliver tangible economic benefits to citizens of both countries.
According to him, the China–Nigeria comprehensive strategic partnership has now entered “the fast track”, guided by policy directions within the Chinese Communist Party’s recommendations for the upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan.
The envoy reaffirmed China’s commitment to high-standard opening-up and global development initiatives that promote shared prosperity.
Earlier this year, China granted zero-tariff treatment to all tariff lines for the 33 African countries with which it maintains diplomatic ties, a move widely seen as part of a broader strategy to deepen economic integration with the continent.
Fast-tracking similar access for Nigeria positions the country to tap more directly into China’s expanded trade concessions.
Responding to the development, Tuggar welcomed the offer and described China as one of Nigeria’s most important strategic partners.
He highlighted Beijing’s longstanding support for Nigeria’s economic and social advancement and reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to the One China principle.
The minister added that Nigeria aims to further align its development strategies with China, expand cooperation in manufacturing, investment, and trade, and scale up the bilateral relationship in the coming years.