Nigeria’s import bill from China surged to N11.01 trillion in the first half of 2026, solidifying the Asian giant as the country’s biggest trading partner and accounting for nearly 40 per cent of Nigeria’s total imports within the period.
Data from verified trade reports show that imports from China rose steadily across the two quarters, climbing from N5.10 trillion in Q1 to N5.92 trillion in Q2.
The increase represents a significant jump and underscores Nigeria’s continued reliance on Chinese manufactured goods, ranging from electronics and machinery to textiles and household items.
China’s dominance far outpaces other trading partners. The United States emerged as Nigeria’s second-largest source of imports in Q2, supplying goods worth N1.01 trillion, equivalent to 6.97 per cent of total imports.
India followed closely with N924.46 billion or 6.41 per cent, while European nations also featured prominently. The Netherlands exported N409.81 billion worth of goods to Nigeria, with Germany accounting for N395.87 billion.
Analysts say the trade pattern highlights a growing imbalance, with Nigeria exporting mainly crude oil and raw materials while importing finished products from China and other countries.
The development has sparked fresh debate among economists and policymakers about the need to boost local production and reduce over-dependence on foreign goods to protect jobs and conserve foreign exchange.
However, the surge in Chinese imports has also raised regulatory concerns. The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, has expressed worry over the proliferation of Chinese-linked counterfeit networks operating in Nigeria.
NAFDAC officials warned that fake drugs, substandard food products, and unregulated cosmetics linked to some import channels pose serious health risks to consumers and undermine efforts to safeguard public health.
Trade experts are now calling for stricter port inspections, enhanced collaboration with Chinese authorities, and stronger support for Nigerian manufacturers to ensure that import growth does not come at the expense of quality, security, and industrial development.
Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has also raised the alarm, saying the influx of cheap Chinese goods is threatening the survival of local factories. MAN President stated that many Nigerian companies are struggling to compete on price, leading to factory closures and job losses across key sectors such as textiles, plastics, and electronics.
To address the imbalance, the Federal Government said it is reviewing trade policies and incentives under the Nigeria-China bilateral agreement to encourage technology transfer and joint ventures. Officials noted that the government is pushing for more Chinese firms to establish manufacturing plants in Nigeria instead of relying solely on exports.
Meanwhile, customs authorities disclosed that they have intensified surveillance at major ports and border posts to intercept counterfeit and unregistered goods. The Comptroller-General assured that the Nigeria Customs Service will work closely with NAFDAC and SON to protect consumers while ensuring legitimate trade continues to thrive.
