I. Bilateral political relations

The People’s Republic of China and the Federal Republic of Nigeria established diplomatic relations on February 10, 1971. Since then, bilateral relations have developed smoothly. In 2005, China and Nigeria established a strategic partnership. In September 2024, the two sides established a comprehensive strategic partnership. The two countries held their first strategic dialogues in 2009. In January 2021, the two countries established the China-Nigeria Intergovernmental Committee mechanism.

Since Nigerian President Tinubu’s inauguration in May 2023, the important Chinese delegations to Nigeria include: Peng Qinghua, Special Envoy of President Xi Jinping and Vice-Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (May 2023); Wang Yi, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister (January 2025). 

The important Nigerian delegations since then to China include: Vice President Kashim Shettima (in October 2023, attended the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation); Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar (in June 2024, paid a visit to China and presided at the first plenary session of the China-Nigeria Intergovernmental Committee); President Bola Tinubu (in September 2024, attended the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation and paid a state visit to China). Vice President Shettima attended the China-Africa Leaders’ Dialogue presided by President Xi Jinping in South Africa in August 2023.

II. Bilateral economic and trade relations and economic and technical cooperation

China and Nigeria have signed agreements on trade, economy, technique, scientific and technological cooperation, and protection of investments, etc. The two countries have established a Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETC), which has held 7 meetings so far. 

Nigeria is China’s largest engineering contract market in Africa, the second-largest export market, the third-largest trade partner, and a major investment destination. From January to September 2024, bilateral trade between China and Nigeria amounted to 15.1 billion USD, with Chinese exports totaling 12.95 billion USD and imports amounting to 2.15 billion USD. The main export products are electromechanical products and textiles, while imports include crude oil and liquefied natural gas.

In April 2018, the People’s Bank of China and the Central Bank of Nigeria signed a bilateral currency swap agreement in Beijing, which was renewed for another three years in September 2024.

III. Cooperation in cultural, educational and military fields

China and Nigeria have signed cultural cooperation agreements and university cooperation protocols. The University of Lagos and Nnamdi Azikewe University each established a Confucius Institute. In March 2012, China and Nigeria signed the Agreement on the Reciprocal Establishment of Cultural Centers. In May of the same year, the Nigerian Cultural Center was established in Beijing, and in September 2013, the Chinese Cultural Center was established in Abuja, capital of Nigeria.

Since 1964, China has provided government scholarships to Nigerian students, and has so far received 1,725 students under this program. Soochow University and the University of Lagos have been selected as partners in the Chinese Ministry of Education’s “China-Africa 20+20 University Cooperation Program”.

China and Nigeria’s military exchanges began in the 1980s. In July 2023, the 43rd fleet for escort missions of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy visited Nigeria. In October, Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission, He Weidong met with Nigerian Defense Minister Abubakar, who attended the 10th Beijing Xiangshan Forum. In June 2024, XuChang Frigate visited Nigeria.

IV. Major bilateral agreements and documents

Joint Communique between the People’s Republic of China and the Federal Republic of Nigeria on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations  (signed in February 1971);

Trade Agreement between the Government of the People’s Republic of China and the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (signed in August 2001);

Agreement between the Government of the People’s Republic of China and the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for the Reciprocal Promotion and Protection of Investments (signed in August 2001);

Agreement between the Government of the People’s Republic of China and the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with Respect to Taxes on Income (signed in April 2002);

Consular Agreement between the Government of the People’s Republic of China and the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (signed in July 2002);

Agreement between the Government of the People’s Republic of China and the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on Cooperation on Strengthening Management of Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances and Diversion of Precursor Chemicals (signed in July 2002);

Agreement between the Government of the People’s Republic of China and the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on Tourism Cooperation (signed in July 2002);

Memorandum of Understanding between the People’s Republic of China and the Federal Republic of Nigeria on Establishing Strategic Partnership (signed in January 2006);

Agreement between the Government of the People’s Republic of China and the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on Mutual Visa Exemption for Holders of Diplomatic and Service Passports (signed in July 2013);

Agreement between the Government of the People’s Republic of China and the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on Preventing the Theft, Clandestine Excavation and Illicit Import and Export of Cultural Property (signed in July 2013);

Agreement between the Government of the People’s Republic of China and the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on Air Services (signed in May 2014);

Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the People’s Republic of China and the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (signed in April 2016);

Joint Statement between the Government of the People’s Republic of China and the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (signed in January 2017);

Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the People’s Republic of China and the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on Cooperation within the Framework of the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road Initiative (signed in September 2018);

Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the People’s Republic of China and the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on Establishing the China-Nigeria Intergovernmental Committee (signed in January 2021);

Bilateral Cooperation Plan between the Government of the People’s Republic of China and the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on Cooperation within the Framework of the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road Initiative (signed in September 2024);

Joint Statement of the People’s Republic of China and the Federal Republic of Nigeria on Establishing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and Building a High-level China-Nigeria Community with a Shared Future (signed in September 2024).