Get Guardian on GoogleLagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has urged Chinese manufacturers and investors to establish local manufacturing and assembly plants in Nigeria rather than concentrate on importing finished products, saying stronger industrial partnerships would boost job creation and economic growth.
Sanwo-Olu made the call at the opening of the 19th China Commodities Expo-Nigeria 2026, held in Lagos, where stakeholders from Nigeria and China called for increased investments, technology transfer and deeper industrial cooperation to unlock opportunities in West Africa.
The governor, represented by the Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Mrs Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, said the next phase of Nigeria-China commercial relations should focus on building industries and strengthening local production capacity.
He said, “The time has come for us to take this relationship further. The next chapter of China-Nigeria commercial relations should be defined not only by the goods we trade, but by the industries we build together.
“We must begin to see more Nigerian businesses progressing from importing finished products to assembling, manufacturing and eventually exporting goods produced through partnerships with Chinese enterprises.”
Sanwo-Olu said Lagos, with its large consumer market, enterprising population and expanding industrial and commercial economy, offered significant opportunities for Chinese manufacturers seeking to establish production facilities in Africa.
He said the state government was committed to creating an enabling environment for businesses to produce locally, employ young people, develop technical expertise and compete more effectively in regional and international markets.
The governor identified the Lekki Deep Sea Port, investments in road infrastructure and electricity reforms as critical factors that positioned Lagos to attract manufacturing investments.
“For Chinese manufacturers considering where to establish their next production or assembly facility, Lagos presents a compelling opportunity.
“The Lekki Deep Sea Port is strengthening our position as a maritime and logistics hub, while our investments in roads and other transport infrastructure are improving connectivity between commercial centres, industrial locations and major transport corridors,” he said.
On electricity, Sanwo-Olu said the Lagos State Electricity Law of 2024 and the establishment of the Lagos State Electricity Regulatory Commission were part of efforts to attract investments in power infrastructure and improve electricity supply to businesses and households.
He also cited Lagos’ emergence as the leading state in the 2025 Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council’s Subnational Ease of Doing Business assessment, with a score of 85.6 per cent, as evidence of efforts to improve the business environment.
Sanwo-Olu listed electronics, electrical equipment, machinery, automotive components, agro-processing, textiles and renewable energy among sectors offering investment opportunities for Chinese businesses.
