The Chinese government has approved a ¥200 million grant for Nigeria to support development projects agreed upon by both countries.
The grant, valued at about ₦40.32 billion based on the Central Bank of Nigeria’s exchange rate, was announced during a meeting between Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, and Dr. Dunoma Umar Ahmed, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on Thursday.
The Chinese Embassy in Nigeria disclosed the development in a statement posted on its X account.
Ambassador Yu said the grant would support Nigeria’s development and economic growth as both countries deepen their bilateral relationship. “China will provide RMB 200 million in grant assistance to Nigeria for the implementation of projects agreed upon by the two governments,” the statement said.
He noted that China and Nigeria have maintained diplomatic relations for 55 years, describing the relationship as an important part of China-Africa cooperation.
According to the ambassador, both countries are also working to implement agreements reached by their leaders and the outcomes of the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Beijing Summit.
However, the Chinese government did not disclose the specific projects that will receive funding.
Ahmed thanked the Chinese government for its continued support for Nigeria’s economic and social development.
He said the grant reflected China’s longstanding relationship with Nigeria and pledged that the funds would be properly utilised for the projects agreed by both governments.
The Permanent Secretary added that Nigeria would continue working with China to strengthen bilateral cooperation and ensure that the partnership delivers greater benefits to both countries.
The grant comes amid expanding economic and investment ties between Nigeria and China.
In 2025, Nigeria recorded an estimated $24.6 billion in Chinese Belt and Road Initiative construction contracts, according to a report by China energy expert Christoph Nedopil of Griffith University.
The figure was reportedly 13 times higher than the previous year, making Nigeria the largest recipient of Chinese BRI construction contracts that year.
About $20 billion of the total was linked to the proposed Ogidigben Gas Revolution Industrial Park in Delta State.
The 2,700-hectare project is planned to host gas-based industries, including fertiliser, methanol, petrochemical and aluminium plants. If fully implemented, it is expected to create about 250,000 direct and indirect jobs.
The latest grant also comes as China maintains its position as Nigeria’s largest trading partner.
Data from the National Bureau of Statistics show that trade between Nigeria and China reached ₦5.68 trillion in Q1 2026.
Nigeria imported goods worth ₦5.10 trillion from China during the quarter, while exports to China stood at ₦582.20 billion, leaving Nigeria with a ₦4.51 trillion trade deficit.
China is a major source of machinery, electronics, industrial equipment, chemicals and manufactured goods for Nigeria, while Nigeria’s exports to China remain largely concentrated in mineral and energy products.
The latest grant is therefore expected to add another layer to the growing economic relationship between the two countries, although the specific projects to be financed are yet to be announced.
