China’s imports from Nigeria surged by 36.1% year-on-year, reaching an all-time high of $15.1 billion (about ₦25.7 trillion) between January and September 2024.
This is according to Acting Consul General of the Consulate-General of China, Mr. Jin Mingyu, who disclosed this at a civic reception welcoming the first vessel on COSCO’s new route to dock at Lekki Port.
He highlighted that Lekki Port’s 2024 cargo throughput exceeded 160,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) as of September. The Chinese government anticipates more merchant ships transporting unique Nigerian products to China.
Mr. Mingyu attributed the growth in China-Nigeria trade to collaboration and expressed hope for continued partnership to build a modern port and logistics network in Nigeria.
This collaboration aims to facilitate trade, provide access to the Chinese market, and realize mutual development benefits.
He noted that the arrival of EA CENTAURUS signifies a new milestone for Lekki Port in international shipping and will enhance Nigeria’s economic development, expanding cooperation between China and Nigeria in various sectors. This project is seen as a landmark for Chinese investment and multinational cooperation in Nigeria.
COSCO has launched a new route in partnership with Lekki Port, symbolizing further advancements in China-Nigeria collaboration in port construction and operation. In 2023, bilateral trade between China and Nigeria reached $22.56 billion, with Nigeria ranking as China’s third-largest trading partner in Africa.
Du Ruagang, Managing Director of Lekki Port, remarked that the arrival of EA Centaurus, marking the first of bi-weekly calls to Lekki Deep Sea Port by COSCO, ZIM, and ONE shipping lines, demonstrates the company’s dedication to transforming the Nigerian maritime industry.
Port Manager Emmanuel Anda stated that the arrival of EA Centaurus marks a new dawn for Lekki Port, solidifying its position as a trade hub in the sub-region.
Representing the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Abubakar Dantsoho, Anda emphasized the significance of this milestone.
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