COSCO vessel’s arrival at Lekki Port underscores a booming trade relationship, with Chinese imports from Nigeria up by 36.1%
China’s imports from Nigeria surged by over a third in the first nine months of 2024, as total bilateral trade between the two countries reached $15.1bn. Acting Consul-General of China, MrJin Mingyu, announced the figures at a reception in Lagos celebrating the arrival of EA Centaurus, the first vessel on COSCO’s new shipping route to berth at Lekki Port.
In his remarks, Mingyu highlighted the strength of the China-Nigeria trade relationship, noting that imports from Nigeria had risen by 36.1% year-on-year. “In 2023, bilateral trade hit $22.56bn, with Nigeria ranking as China’s third-largest trading partner in Africa. For 2024 so far, trade volume has reached $15.1bn,” he said.
Mingyu credited the growth in trade to ongoing collaboration and stressed China’s aim to work with Nigerian partners to create a modern port and logistics network. “We look forward to more ships carrying unique Nigerian products to China. Our hope is for multinational enterprises to join forces, enhancing trade links, expanding market access, and building shared prosperity,” he said.
The arrival of EA Centaurus marks a key milestone for LekkiPort, China’s investment in Nigeria, and their joint ambition in trade logistics. Mingyu described the port as a “landmark project for Chinese companies in investment and construction,” and COSCO’s new route as evidence of deepening ties in port operations.
Du Ruagang, Managing Director of Lekki Port, welcomed the ship’s arrival as a symbol of the port’s transformative potential for Nigeria’s maritime industry. “The arrival of EA Centaurus is the first of bi-weekly calls to Lekki Deep Seaport by COSCO, ZIM, and ONE shipping lines, underscoring our commitment to positioning Lekki Port as a driving force in Nigeria’s maritime sector,” he stated.
Both countries, Mingyu noted, stand ready to seize globalisation’s opportunities for developing nations, with this strengthened logistics network set to inject “fresh momentum” into Nigeria’s economic development.
