The Chinese government has announced a ¥200 million grant to Nigeria to support the implementation of development projects jointly agreed upon by both countries.
The announcement was made during a meeting between the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr Dunoma Umar Ahmed, on Thursday.
The grant, valued at approximately N40.32 billion based on the prevailing Central Bank of Nigeria exchange rate, is expected to support Nigeria’s development and economic growth.
However, the Chinese government has not yet disclosed the specific projects that will receive funding.
Ambassador Yu said China and Nigeria had maintained strong diplomatic relations for more than 55 years, following the establishment of formal diplomatic ties between the two countries.
He described Nigeria-China relations as an important component of China-Africa cooperation, noting that the partnership has entered a new phase under the leadership of Chinese President Xi Jinping and President Bola Tinubu.
According to the ambassador, both countries have maintained close communication and coordination while working to implement agreements reached by their respective leaders.
China and Nigeria are also collaborating to implement the outcomes of the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Beijing Summit, with the aim of ensuring that bilateral cooperation produces tangible benefits for citizens.
China will provide RMB 200 million in grant assistance to Nigeria for the implementation of projects agreed upon by the two governments, the Chinese Embassy said.
The Permanent Secretary, Dr Dunoma Umar Ahmed, expressed appreciation to the Chinese government for its continued support for Nigeria’s economic and social development.
He described the grant as evidence of China’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with Nigeria and supporting the country’s development objectives.
Ahmed assured the Chinese government that Nigeria would ensure the grant is effectively utilised for the agreed projects.
He also said Nigeria would continue to work closely with China to implement existing agreements and deepen bilateral cooperation.
China’s latest financial commitment adds to its growing economic footprint in Nigeria, particularly in infrastructure, energy and industrial development.
In 2025, Nigeria reportedly recorded about $24.6 billion in Chinese Belt and Road Initiative construction contracts, representing a significant increase from the previous year.
A substantial portion of the figure was linked to the proposed Ogidigben Gas Revolution Industrial Park in Delta State, following a contract awarded to China National Chemical Engineering.
The 2,700-hectare industrial project is designed to accommodate gas-based industries, including fertiliser, methanol, petrochemical and aluminium production. If fully implemented, the project is expected to generate substantial employment and economic opportunities.
The latest grant comes amid significant trade relations between Nigeria and China.
Data from the National Bureau of Statistics showed that Nigeria-China trade stood at N5.68 trillion in the first quarter of 2026, making China Nigeria’s largest trading partner during the period.
Nigeria imported goods worth approximately N5.10 trillion from China, while exports to China were valued at about N582.20 billion, resulting in a trade deficit of approximately N4.51 trillion in China’s favour.
Despite the decline from N6.20 trillion recorded in the fourth quarter of 2025, bilateral trade remained above the N4.96 trillion recorded in the first quarter of 2025.
China’s exports to Nigeria remain concentrated around machinery, electronics, industrial equipment, chemicals and manufactured goods, while Nigerian exports to China are largely made up of mineral and energy-related products.
The ¥200 million China grant to Nigeria further demonstrates the expanding scope of economic and development cooperation between both countries.
As Nigeria seeks to attract foreign investment, expand infrastructure and accelerate economic growth, Chinese financing, investment and technical partnerships are expected to remain an important part of its international economic engagement.
The immediate projects to be financed with the latest grant are yet to be announced, but both governments have pledged to ensure that the assistance contributes to agreed development priorities and delivers tangible benefits to Nigerians.
