$1tn Economy: FG Eyes Nigeria-China Logistics Partnership

The Federal Government has identified stronger transport and logistics collaboration with China as a key driver of its plan to grow Nigeria into a one trillion-dollar economy by 2030.

The Technical Adviser to the Vice President on Transportation, Logistics and Innovation, Dr. Segun Obayendo, said achieving the ambitious economic target would depend largely on the country’s ability to build efficient transport infrastructure, resilient supply chains and a modern logistics network capable of supporting trade and investment.

According to The Nation, Obayendo spoke at the 2026 Ningbo Africa Trade and Logistics Cooperation Forum held in Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, China.

He said President Bola Tinubu’s administration was implementing reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda to modernise the nation’s transport system and position Nigeria as the logistics and distribution hub for West Africa.

According to him, infrastructure development, trade facilitation and investment promotion remain central to the administration’s economic agenda, noting that these objectives require an integrated and efficient transportation ecosystem.

Obayendo said Nigeria’s quest to attain a one trillion-dollar economy goes beyond increasing production, stressing that the efficient movement of goods, services and people is equally critical to economic growth.

He noted that Nigeria’s strategic geographical location, vast consumer market, abundant natural resources and participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) provide the country with a strong platform to emerge as a regional economic powerhouse.

However, he emphasised the need for sustained investment in critical infrastructure, including rail lines, seaports, highways, inland dry ports and digital logistics platforms, to unlock the country’s full economic potential.

Obayendo also described China’s zero-tariff policy for exports from African countries as a significant opportunity for Nigeria to boost exports, expand local manufacturing and attract fresh investments.

He urged Nigerian businesses to take advantage of improved trade facilitation and logistics systems to enhance their competitiveness in global markets.

The presidential aide further advocated deeper Nigeria-China cooperation beyond trade, calling for stronger collaboration in technology transfer, industrialisation, infrastructure development, innovation and skills acquisition to create employment opportunities for millions of Nigerians.

He also welcomed the proposed partnership between GK&A Logistics Services Limited and China’s Ningbo Foreign Trade Company Limited on port development and logistics infrastructure, describing it as a major step towards strengthening Nigeria’s logistics capacity and expanding bilateral economic relations.

Obayendo called on governments, development partners, financial institutions and private sector stakeholders to sustain cooperation in implementing agreements reached at the forum to ensure long-term economic benefits for both countries.