NCBC secures $10m Chinese investment for Nigeria, urges stronger economic ties

Orisemeke Benjamin

The Nigeria-China Business Council (NCBC) has called on the Nigerian business community to actively leverage emerging commercial opportunities provided by the Chinese government to accelerate national economic growth.

The charge was delivered in Abuja during a Stakeholders Business Forum and Luncheon organised by the council. The event was held under the theme: “From Trade to Transformation: Advancing Nigeria-China Business Strategic Economic Partnership for Sustainable Development.”

During the forum, NCBC Chairman Chief Jacob Wood expressed strong satisfaction with the evolving bilateral ties between the two countries. He reaffirmed the council’s commitment to continuously sensitizing local stakeholders about available economic avenues aimed at poverty reduction and job creation.

Highlighting the council’s tangible impacts, the National Coordinator and CEO of the NCBC, Dr. Sam Agbi, revealed that the council has successfully attracted over $10 million in investments to Nigeria. Fueled primarily by Chinese electrical and electronics companies, these investments have directly created thousands of value-chain jobs for youth across the country.

Dr. Agbi emphasized that the relationship between Nigeria and China must evolve beyond the basic exchange of goods. Instead, the focus must shift toward: Productive investments and industrialization, Technology transfer and skills development, and Innovation and value addition

“The NCBC serves as the foremost bridge between the public and private sectors of both nations,” Dr. Agbi stated. He noted that the council has built deep credibility by coordinating trade missions, business matchmaking programs, and facilitating Nigerian participation in global events like the Canton Fair.

The forum aims to establish a permanent platform for dialogue, specifically looking to foster mutually beneficial relationships between investors, manufacturers, and policymakers in Abuja and the northern states.

Backing the initiative, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), Ms. Aisha Rimi—represented by the Head of Investment Promotion, Mr. Emmanuel Longza—urged Chinese firms to heavily target key sectors.

The NIPC highlighted manufacturing, solid minerals, engineering, and agriculture as priority areas, promising that the commission has already established robust incentives and modalities to support and safeguard incoming investments.