By By Elizabeth Ugbo
The Chinese Embassy in Nigeria has explained why its investment figures differ from Nigeria’s official records, stating that the gap results from different statistical methods. In a statement signed by spokesperson Zhu Songbo on Wednesday, the embassy said China’s imports from Nigeria rose by 81% to US$2.25 billion between January and June 2026. The embassy also highlighted over US$1.5 billion in cumulative investment in the Lekki Free Trade Zone, where Chinese firms have created more than 8,000 direct jobs and established seven new enterprises during the first half of 2026.
China Explains Investment Data Differences
The embassy said the apparent discrepancy between Nigerian and Chinese investment figures stems from differences in statistical methodology.
According to the statement, China’s investments in Nigeria mainly take the form of long-term direct investment. These investments focus on manufacturing, infrastructure, and other sectors within the real economy.
The embassy stressed that such investments support Nigeria’s industrialisation and sustainable economic growth.
It also noted that similar differences appeared in previous years.
According to Nigerian statistics, Chinese capital importation stood at US$38.66 million in 2025. However, Chinese records showed direct investment reached approximately US$390 million during the same period.
The embassy argued that both datasets measure different investment indicators, leading to varying figures.
Chinese Imports from Nigeria Record Strong Growth
The embassy revealed that China’s imports from Nigeria reached US$2.25 billion in the first six months of 2026.
This represents an 81% increase compared to the same period in 2025.
Additionally, imports reached US$360 million in May, reflecting a 44% year-on-year increase.
In June, imports climbed further to US$440 million, representing another 42% increase.
The embassy attributed the growth to expanding bilateral trade and China’s zero-tariff policy.
Zero-Tariff Policy Boosts Bilateral Trade
According to the embassy, China introduced zero-tariff treatment on 100% of tariff lines for products from Nigeria and 52 other African countries on May 1, 2026.
Officials said the policy has already started delivering positive results by increasing Nigerian exports to the Chinese market.
The embassy added that both countries enjoy highly complementary economies and expect bilateral trade to maintain strong momentum.
Lekki Free Trade Zone Attracts More Chinese Investors
The embassy highlighted the growing confidence of Chinese businesses in Nigeria’s economy.
It said cumulative Chinese investment in the Lekki Free Trade Zone has exceeded US$1.5 billion.
The investments have created more than 8,000 direct jobs.
Furthermore, seven new enterprises began operations in the zone during the first half of 2026.
The embassy said Chinese companies continue to promote industrial growth, generate tax revenue, create employment opportunities, and improve livelihoods across Nigeria.
NBS Data Shows Decline in Capital Inflows
Earlier, Nigeria’s National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reported that capital importation from China fell to US$9.39 million in the first quarter of 2026.
The figure represented a 40.89% year-on-year decline.
It also reflected a 13.69% drop from the US$6.43 million recorded in the fourth quarter of 2025.
The report suggested that Chinese capital inflows weakened despite the Federal Government’s announcement of over US$20 billion in investment commitments from Chinese investors.
However, the Chinese Embassy maintained that its records showed direct investment into Nigeria exceeded US$50 million during the first quarter of 2026.
It insisted that the difference results from contrasting statistical approaches rather than a decline in investor confidence.
China Reaffirms Long-Term Commitment
The embassy said an increasing number of Chinese companies remain optimistic about Nigeria’s long-term economic prospects.
It reaffirmed China’s commitment to strengthening trade and investment cooperation while supporting Nigeria’s industrial development through long-term partnerships.
