China has opened a new chapter in its trade relationship with Nigeria after its ambassador, Yu Dunhai, revealed plans to speed up a zero-tariff policy for Nigerian exports.
The development marks a renewed push to deepen economic ties as both nations celebrate 55 years of diplomatic relations and prepare for the 2026 China Africa Year of Cultural Exchanges.
Yu made the pledge during a meeting with Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, where both sides focused on expanding trade, boosting cooperation, and setting long-term development targets.
He said the early launch of the zero-tariff window would build greater trust and deliver meaningful benefits to citizens in both countries.
According to him, the China-Nigeria strategic partnership has now entered “the fast track”, guided by policy directions in China’s upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan.
He added that China remains committed to policies that support high-standard development and shared global prosperity.
Earlier this year, China granted zero-tariff treatment on all tariff lines to 33 African nations with which it maintains diplomatic ties. The move was widely viewed as part of a larger effort to strengthen Sino-African economic cooperation.
Fast-tracking similar access for Nigeria positions the country to tap deeper into China’s expanding trade concessions.
Reacting to the announcement, Tuggar described China as one of Nigeria’s most important strategic partners and welcomed the new commitment.
He highlighted China’s consistent support for Nigeria’s social and economic progress and reaffirmed Nigeria’s adherence to the One China policy.
Tuggar added that Nigeria hopes to align its development plans with China, broaden cooperation in manufacturing, trade, and investment, and elevate the partnership in the coming years.
