By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola
The Made in China Goods Traders Association of Nigeria (MICGTAN) has appealed to the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos for support for cataract treatment, artificial intelligence training, scholarships and participation in major international trade exhibitions in China.
The association made the appeal on Monday, 17 August, 2026, in a letter signed by its National President, Oluwole Adigun, and addressed to the Chinese Consul-General in Lagos, Mrs Yan Yuqing, following the participation of its executives in a Bamboo and Rattan Seminar organised by Chinese authorities.
Adigun urged the Consulate to support or facilitate a cataract treatment outreach for underprivileged residents within its area of jurisdiction in Lagos.
He said the proposed intervention would restore sight to vulnerable residents who could not afford cataract surgery and improve their quality of life.
The association, he added, was prepared to work with the Consulate to identify beneficiaries and coordinate the medical outreach.
The traders also appealed for qualified members to be considered under the Chinese Government’s plan to train 5,000 Nigerians in artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies.
They further requested access to undergraduate and master’s degree scholarships offered by the Chinese Government for their members.
Adigun said the training and scholarship opportunities would help build the skills and capacity of traders, enabling them to contribute more effectively to Nigeria’s economic and technological development.
On trade, the association sought the Consulate’s assistance in facilitating members’ participation in two major international exhibitions in China.
They are the China Import and Export Fair, popularly known as the Canton Fair, scheduled for October 15 to November 4, 2026, in Guangzhou, and the China International Import Expo, scheduled for November 5 to 10, 2026, in Shanghai.
The association said participation in the exhibitions would enable members from different states to establish business contacts, explore new markets and develop investment partnerships.
It also said the engagements could promote technology transfer and strengthen bilateral trade between Nigeria and China.
Adigun further expressed appreciation to the Consul-General for the Bamboo and Rattan Seminar, noting that the programme had broadened the executives’ understanding of the use of bamboo and rattan for sustainable development and economic empowerment.
He said the knowledge acquired would be applied to benefit members of the association and their communities while contributing to stronger Nigeria-China relations.
The association also appreciated the Chinese Government and its representatives for their friendship and support for Nigeria, while reaffirming its commitment to cooperation, excellence and mutual respect.
MICGTAN represents traders operating across several states in Nigeria and engaged in various trading activities.
