The Lagos State Government has called for a stronger China-Nigeria trade relationship focused on local manufacturing, industrial development, technology transfer and exportation, urging Nigerian and Chinese businesses to move beyond importing finished products to establishing local assembly and production facilities.
The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Hon. Folashade Bada Ambrose-Medebem, made the call on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at the opening ceremony of the 2026 China Commodities Expo-Nigeria (CCE), held at the Landmark Event Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Sanwo-Olu described Lagos as an attractive destination for Chinese manufacturers seeking to establish production and assembly facilities, citing the Lekki Deep Sea Port, ongoing road and infrastructure development, and the Lagos State Electricity Law of 2024, which established the Lagos State Electricity Regulatory Commission to promote investment in power infrastructure and improve electricity supply.
He also highlighted Lagos State’s emergence as the top-performing state in the 2025 Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council’s Subnational Ease of Doing Business assessment, scoring 85.6 per cent, while acknowledging the need to address challenges facing investors and entrepreneurs.
The Governor identified investment opportunities in electronics, electrical equipment, machinery, automotive components, agro-processing, textiles and renewable energy. He particularly encouraged partnerships that would support Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
Addressing concerns raised by traders at the ASPAMDA section of the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex over the activities of some Chinese businesses, Sanwo-Olu urged both parties to resolve commercial disagreements through dialogue, fair competition and respect for existing laws. He stressed that foreign investment must complement, rather than undermine, the growth of Nigerian enterprises.
Speaking on the theme, “Beyond Consumption to Co-Creation: Building Sustainable Economic Bridges Between Nigeria and China,” the National President of the Association of Small Business Owners of Nigeria (ASBON), Dr. Femi Egbesola, described Nigerian entrepreneurs, distributors and business owners as potential partners for Chinese companies. He encouraged local businesses to explore production processes, machinery and technology-transfer opportunities to expand their operations.
Similarly, the Director of the Industrial Inspectorate Department, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Engr. Eyitope Aina Osinowo, stressed that industrial investments must comply with relevant laws, maintain product quality, ensure operational efficiency and promote environmental sustainability. He noted that successful investments should be measured by the jobs created, skills developed and economic value generated for Nigeria.
The President of Brightway International Exhibition Co. Ltd., Ms. Han Wei, disclosed that the China Commodities Expo had recorded 18 successful editions over two decades. She explained that the 2026 edition focuses on machinery and equipment, including agricultural and engineering machinery, vehicles and parts, power equipment, hardware and building materials. She also revealed that the 2025 edition attracted over 130 exhibitors and more than 6,000 buyers from Nigeria and neighbouring countries across a 5,000-square-metre exhibition space.
The event was attended by the Honorary President of the Shandong Chamber of Commerce in Nigeria, Ms. Zhou Jun; National Chairman of the Africa China Chairmen of Business Forum, High Chief Mike Yousuf Ugwu (Zheng Xiaopeng); President of NACCIMA, Engr. (Dr.) Jani Ibrahim, OON; representatives of SMEDAN, as well as other industry leaders, exhibitors, buyers and members of the press.
