If all the critical stakeholders put their hands on the deck, Nigeria can meet or surpass Brazil’s $94.41 billion export performance to China in 2024 because the country has all it takes to achieve this goal.
This was the view of the Director-General of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP), Mr Joseph Tegbe, when he met with the Minister of State for Industry, Trade, and Investment, Mr John Owan Enoh, to discuss move to accelerate Nigeria’s industrial revolution.
The meeting, which held in Abuja, explored actionable strategies to unlock the full industrial potential of both sectors within the framework of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda with an overarching goal to shift Nigeria from an import-dependent economy to a production- and export-led industrial powerhouse.
Mr Tegbe emphasized that the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership is committed to supporting this transformation, noting the country’s readiness to evolve from a consumption-driven economy into a strategic development partner—particularly with China.
He highlighted the mining sector’s vast potential, with over 40 commercially viable minerals as critical enablers of industrial growth.
The DG emphasized the need to build out local beneficiation, processing, and refining capacity—an agenda supported by clear regulatory reforms and investment incentives rather than continuing the raw export of mineral resources.
The Industrial Revolution Working Groups (IRWG)—a flagship initiative of the Presidential Council on Industrial Revitalization—are already operational, working to resolve regulatory bottlenecks, improve access to infrastructure and financing, and unlock sustainable growth across the mining value chain.
Mr Tegbe said the automotive sector was receiving focused government attention, with policies in place to make Nigeria a regional hub for vehicle assembly and full-scale manufacturing, adding that the Nigeria First Policy has already begun to stimulate demand for domestically assembled vehicles, while boosting investor confidence in the sector.
“There is a strong commitment to the implementation of a structured national automotive policy, aiming to move from basic vehicle assembly to advanced manufacturing that integrates local supply chains and paves the way for electric and energy-efficient mobility,” he said.
Speaking on Nigeria’s comprehensive strategic partnership with China, Mr Tegbe shared updates on landmark agreements secured with major Chinese firms including Huawei, China Communications Construction Company (CCCC), Chilwee Group, and Choice International Group (CIG).
According to him, these companies are bringing advanced technologies, skilled manpower, and capital into Nigeria’s automotive, mining, manufacturing, communication and clean energy sectors—contributing directly to job creation, technology transfer, and industrial innovation.
“These partnerships are not only vital for job creation, but they will also strengthen our technical capabilities, expand industrial output, and accelerate localization of production,” said Mr Tegbe, adding that, “We are changing the narrative—Nigeria must no longer be seen as a mere consumer market; but an active industrial partner.”
In his remarks, Mr Enoh reaffirmed the federal government’s renewed commitment to three priority sectors—Sugar, Cotton-Textile-Garment (CTG), and Automobiles—each backed by active industry councils to drive localized production, stimulate domestic demand, and boost Nigeria’s global industrial competitiveness.
At the center of this shift is the Nigeria First Policy, a landmark presidential directive that mandates all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to prioritize Nigerian-made goods and services in public procurement.
This policy is already restructuring supply chains, catalyzing job creation, and reducing overreliance on imports across key sectors.