The Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe on Wednesday, 23 September, 2026 disclosed that bilateral trade stood at $28billion at the end of last year, adding that trade had reached $17billionn in the first half of 2026, reports thegazellenews.com.
Tegbe, who stated this on the night of Wednesday, 23 September, 2026 in Abuja at a reception marking the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, however, said the focus should now be on translating the growth in trade into increased Nigerian production and exports.
“Our shared task is to translate that access into stronger Nigerian production and Nigerian exports to China, with benefits that will endure both economies,” he said.
Tegbe further reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the one-China principle, saying the Federal Government recognised the People’s Republic of China as the sole legal government representing the whole of China.
The minister added that deeper cooperation between Nigeria and China in the power sector will help deliver reliable electricity, renewable energy and locally manufactured power equipment to Nigerians
As Minister of Power, I see particular promise in deeper cooperation on achieving reliable electricity, renewable energy, and manufacture of power equipment in Nigeria with our cooperation with China.
“The benefits will be the greatest when investment also develops Nigerian engineers, technicians, and strengthens local enterprises and equips us to operate and maintain what we build in Nigeria,” Tegbe said
According to the minister, Nigeria and China had developed their relationship from a diplomatic friendship into a broad partnership covering infrastructure, healthcare, technical exchanges, trade and investment.
Tegbe recalled that the two countries established diplomatic relations on February 10, 1971, adding that the relationship was elevated to a comprehensive strategic partnership by President Bola Tinubu and Chinese President Xi Jinping in September 2024.
Tegbe said Nigeria appreciated he Director General of the Nigerian-China Strategic Partnership, commended China’s accomplishments describing it as an extraordinary transformation.
“China’s advancement and achievement in manufacturing, science, high-speed rail, and clean energy command significant respect,” the Minister said, just as he also commended China’s zero-tariff programme, saying it presented opportunities for Nigerian producers and could boost the country’s exports.
