In 2024, Nigeria’s imports from China surged to N14.15 trillion, a 114.3% increase from N6.6 trillion in 2023, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). This growth cements China as Nigeria’s top import partner, driving significant activity in Nigerian imports and exports.
Key Imports Fueling Nigeria’s Economy
Nigeria’s demand for Chinese goods spans industrial, technological, and consumer products. Top imports in 2024 included photovoltaic cells (N228.99 billion) for renewable energy, spark-ignition engines and electric motors (N121.15 billion) for industrial use, and communication equipment (N114.43 billion) for telecommunications. Other notable imports were buses and lorries (N96.48 billion), air conditioning units (N77.57 billion), and chemical materials like polypropylene and glutamic acid.
Exports to China Grow, but Imbalance Persists
Nigeria’s exports to China rose 236% to N2.99 trillion in 2024, up from N891.38 billion in 2023. Key exports included sesame seeds (N96.71 billion), cathodes (N14.28 billion), and tin ores (N9.95 billion). Despite this growth, China ranked seventh among Nigeria’s export destinations, with imports dominating the N17.14 trillion bilateral trade. This imbalance underscores the need for diversified exports to reduce Nigeria’s trade deficit.
Addressing the Trade Gap
The trade imbalance—with imports far exceeding exports—calls for strategic action. Industrializing Nigeria’s export base and processing raw materials like sesame seeds could boost value and jobs. Investments in port infrastructure and bilateral agreements, like the Nigeria-China currency-swap deal, aim to enhance
The N14.15 trillion in Chinese imports in 2024 highlights Nigeria’s reliance on global trade, but balancing exports is key to sustainable growth.
Logistics and clearing services remain vital to this ecosystem. For expert assistance with customs clearance, explore our Import-Services.
