China has confirmed that Nigeria remains its largest engineering contracting market in Africa, underscoring the deepening infrastructure and economic ties between both countries. Chinese officials disclosed the development during bilateral engagements focused on trade, infrastructure cooperation, and investment expansion, as reported by CGTN.
The relationship has been driven by major Chinese-backed infrastructure projects across Nigeria, including railways, airports, highways, power facilities, and urban transport systems financed through partnerships with Chinese banks and construction firms. According to figures released by China’s commerce authorities, Nigeria continues to account for a significant share of Chinese engineering and construction activity on the continent.
Projects such as the Abuja-Kaduna railway, Lagos-Ibadan railway, airport terminal expansions, and multiple road infrastructure developments have strengthened China’s footprint in Nigeria over the past decade. Chinese companies including China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation and China Railway Construction Corporation remain heavily involved in Nigeria’s infrastructure modernisation efforts.
Business Insider Africa says Nigeria’s large population, infrastructure deficit, and strategic economic position make it one of China’s most important African partners under the Belt and Road Initiative. They note that continued engineering cooperation could play a major role in Nigeria’s industrialisation and transport development plans, although concerns around debt sustainability and project financing remain part of broader policy discussions.
