The Lagos State Government has called for a new chapter in China-Nigeria Commercial relations, one defined not only by the goods traded, but, by the industries built together, just as it enjoins for a shift in importation of finished products to Local Assembly, Manufacturing and Exportation through partnerships between Nigerian and Chinese Enterprises.
The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, through the Honourable Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Hon. Folashade Bada Ambrose-Medebem, made the call on Tuesday, 3rd November 2026, at the Opening Ceremony of the 2026 China Commodities Expo-Nigeria (CCE), held at the Landmark Event Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Speaking at the event, Governor Sanwo-Olu stressed that more Nigerian businesses must progress from importing finished products to Assembling, Manufacturing and Exporting goods produced through partnerships with Chinese Enterprises, adding that for Chinese Manufacturers considering where to establish their next production or assembly facility, Lagos presents a compelling opportunity.
Sanwo-Olu cited the Lekki Deep Sea Port as strengthening the State’s position as a Maritime and Logistics hub, alongside ongoing investments in roads and other infrastructure, and the Lagos State Electricity Law of 2024, which established the Lagos State Electricity Regulatory Commission to encourage investment in Power infrastructure and improve supply to Businesses, industries, and households.
The Governor informed that Lagos State emerged first in the 2025 Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council’s Subnational Ease of Doing Business assessment with a score of 85.6 per cent, while acknowledging that more work remains to be done in addressing the practical difficulties Investors and Entrepreneurs encounter.
He identified opportunities for Chinese businesses to establish assembly plants for electronics, electrical equipment, machinery and automotive components, as well as in Agro-processing, textiles and renewable energy, adding that Partnerships involving Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises remained of particular interest to the State Government.
On the concerns expressed by traders at the ASPAMDA section of the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex over the activities of some Chinese businesses, Governor Sanwo-Olu stated that Commercial disagreements must be addressed through dialogue, fair competition and respect for applicable laws, urging Chinese Enterprises to engage constructively with local Business Associations and explore Partnerships that strengthen existing businesses, rather than create unnecessary tensions.
