Kano State Strengthens Economic Ties with China as Bilateral Trade Hits $22.6 Billion

China-Nigeria Trade Reaches $22.6 Billion in 2023: Kano Reaps the Benefits

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has revealed that bilateral trade between China and Nigeria reached $22.6 billion in 2023, with Kano State benefiting significantly from the relationship.

Speaking at the Government House in Kano on Thursday during a meeting with the Chinese delegation led by Ambassador Dunhai Yu, Governor Yusuf stated that 55% of ongoing infrastructural projects in Kano are handled by Chinese firms. Among these are the construction of five major flyovers, with four built by Chinese companies.

He described Kano as a strategic commercial hub in Nigeria and reaffirmed the state’s commitment to strengthening ties with China in trade, infrastructure, and education.

China’s Role in Kano’s Economic Growth

Governor Yusuf acknowledged China’s contributions to Kano’s economic development, emphasizing the importance of ongoing infrastructure projects, investment opportunities, and industrialization.

“Chinese companies have played a major role in infrastructural development within the state,” he said.

He also invited more Chinese investors to take advantage of Kano’s business-friendly environment, citing key advantages such as:

Access to raw materials
Strategic location for trade
Large markets and industrial potential

To further attract Chinese investments, Kano State will unveil a five-year multi-sectoral investment strategy (2025-2029), offering attractive incentives to encourage long-term partnerships.

China’s Expanding Investment in Kano

Ambassador Dunhai Yu praised Kano’s economic and cultural significance, noting its rich history of over 1,000 years.

“Kano is home to many Chinese investors and entrepreneurs, and they all feel welcome here,” he said.

He reaffirmed China’s commitment to expanding economic partnerships with Kano in:

Agriculture and irrigation systems
Infrastructure development
Trade and manufacturing
Education and human capital development

The ambassador announced plans to bring investments from Shandong Province, one of China’s largest economies, into Kano’s agricultural and manufacturing sectors.

Additionally, China is set to support Nigeria’s economic diversification efforts, particularly through investments in:

Renewable energy
Electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing

“China leads the world in electric vehicles and renewable energy, and we are ready to collaborate with Kano to advance its industrialization efforts,” he said.

Strengthening Educational Ties

Governor Yusuf also emphasized the importance of educational collaboration, thanking China for previous sponsorships of Kano students in Chinese universities.

He urged the Chinese government to expand scholarship programs, fostering stronger ties between Kano and China’s business and academic communities.

With a shared vision for economic growth, both parties expressed optimism that China-Nigeria trade relations will continue to flourish, boosting Kano’s development and investment prospects.