The Made-in-China Goods Traders Association of Nigeria has appealed to the Chinese government to provide easier visa access and broader trade opportunities for Nigerian traders to strengthen economic and commercial relations between both countries.
The association made the appeal during a courtesy visit to the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos, led by the Consul General, Madam Yan Yuqing.
Speaking during the visit, the National President and Patron of the association, Chief Adigun Samuel, said the group was established more than a decade ago to promote Made-in-China products in Nigeria while deepening bilateral trade cooperation between Nigeria and China.
According to Samuel, members of the association have consistently supported legitimate business activities and contributed significantly to commercial interactions between both countries over the years.
He noted that Nigerian traders importing goods from China have continued to play a major role in sustaining local commerce, creating jobs and expanding the availability of consumer products across Nigeria.
“Over the years, our members have remained committed to supporting legitimate business activities and encouraging positive economic cooperation between both countries,” he said.
Despite the association’s contributions to trade and commerce, Samuel lamented what he described as limited recognition and insufficient support from the Chinese Consulate, saying the situation had affected the association’s ability to fully achieve its objectives.
“Despite our long-standing existence and contributions, we have yet to receive the desired attention and recognition from the Consulate. This has limited our ability to fully achieve the purpose of our establishment and effectively support our members,” he stated.
The association specifically requested easier visa access for both first-time and regular travellers among its members, particularly traders seeking to participate in trade fairs, exhibitions and business meetings in China.
Samuel urged the Chinese authorities to create more opportunities for Nigerian traders to participate in international trade exhibitions organised in China, especially the globally recognised Canton Fair, one of the world’s largest import and export trade events.
“We humbly use this golden opportunity to request greater inclusiveness and opportunities for visa support for our members who want to visit China for the first time and the regular travellers among us to participate in trade exhibitions and official events organised or supported by the Consulate, especially the Canton Fair and other important trade shows in China,” he said.
He explained that broader access to such trade platforms would expose Nigerian traders to emerging global business trends, improve business networking opportunities and encourage compliance with international trade standards.
Samuel also assured the Chinese government that members of the association remained committed to respecting Chinese laws and promoting positive diplomatic relations between both countries.
“Such opportunities will help us guide our members properly and encourage them to serve as good ambassadors of Nigeria while strictly obeying the laws and regulations of the People’s Republic of China,” he added.
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Scholarship opportunities and training programmes for its members to enhance capacity development, technical knowledge and international business exposure.
According to Samuel, access to training initiatives in China would equip Nigerian traders with modern business skills and improve their understanding of international trade practices.
“We also request the Consulate for consideration of our members for scholarships to participate in China inbound training programmes for knowledge and skills development, cultural exchange, international exposure and capacity building,” he said.
He added that the association was also seeking greater participation in programmes and activities organised by the Chinese Consulate in Nigeria to further strengthen cooperation between both countries.
“Finally, we sincerely wish to become part of the regular activities of the Consulate so that we can continue contributing positively to the economic growth and trade relationship between China and Nigeria,” Samuel stated.
China remains one of Nigeria’s largest trading partners, with economic relations spanning infrastructure development, manufacturing, telecommunications, construction and importation of consumer goods.
Thousands of Nigerian traders travel to China annually for sourcing, manufacturing partnerships and commercial negotiations, particularly in sectors such as electronics, textiles, household products, machinery and building materials.
However, concerns over visa accessibility, travel documentation and business mobility have continued to pose challenges for many Nigerian traders seeking to expand their operations in the Asian country.
Industry stakeholders believe that improving travel access and strengthening institutional cooperation could significantly boost trade volumes and economic opportunities between Nigeria and China in the coming years.