By Afolabi Oyekunle.
Technical Adviser to the Vice-president on Transportation, Logistics and Innovation, Dr. Segun Obayendo has described China's zero-tariff policy for exports from African countries as a significant opportunity for Nigeria to expand exports, strengthen manufacturing, attract new investments and deepen participation in global value chains.
Dr. Obayendo said this while speaking virtually on Monday at the 2026 Ningbo–Africa Trade & Logistics Cooperation Forum in Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, China.
Dr. Obayendo.
According to him, "China's zero-tariff initiative presents a strategic opportunity for Nigeria and the wider African continent.
He said by strengthening our logistics capacity and improving trade facilitation, we can expand exports, attract manufacturing investments and position Nigerian businesses to compete more effectively in international markets," he stated.
He further emphasized that stronger Nigeria - China cooperation should extend beyond trade volumes to include technology transfer, industrial development, infrastructure investment, skills development and innovation capable of creating sustainable employment opportunities for millions of Nigerians and Africans.
Dr. Obayendo used the occasion to reaffirmed the Federal Government the commitment to strengthening Nigeria's transport and logistics ecosystem as a key driver of economic diversification, industrialization and regional trade integration, describing efficient logistics as indispensable to achieving the country's ambition of building a US$1 trillion economy by 2030.
Obayendo, said the Federal Government is implementing policies and partnerships aimed at modernizing transport infrastructure, improving supply chain efficiency and positioning Nigeria as West Africa's leading logistics and distribution hub.
According to Dr. Obayendo, the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu places significant emphasis on infrastructure development, trade facilitation, investment promotion and economic competitiveness, all of which depend on an efficient and integrated transport and logistics system.
"Nigeria's aspiration to build a one-trillion-dollar economy will depend not only on what we produce but also on how efficiently we move people, goods and services. Modern transport infrastructure, resilient supply chains and efficient logistics systems are fundamental to attracting investment, expanding trade and driving sustainable economic growth," Dr. Obayendo said.
He noted that Nigeria's strategic location, abundant natural resources, growing consumer market and access to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) provide a strong foundation for regional economic leadership. He stressed, however, that unlocking these opportunities requires sustained investment in multimodal transport infrastructure, modern ports, digital logistics platforms and integrated supply chain networks.
The Technical Adviser highlighted the importance of integrated logistics corridors linking seaports, inland dry ports, rail networks, highways and warehousing facilities, noting that efficient cargo movement remains essential to reducing the cost of doing business, improving export competitiveness and strengthening regional trade under AfCFTA.
Commending the organisers of the forum the Pan-African Institute for Supply Chain Innovation (PAISCI), the Ningbo China Institute for Supply Chain Innovation (NISCI) and China-base Group, Dr. Obayendo described the engagement as a practical demonstration of how international collaboration can translate policy dialogue into tangible economic outcomes.
He welcomed the strategic agreements reached during the forum, including the proposed cooperation on port development and logistics infrastructure between GK&A Logistics Services Limited and China-base Ningbo Foreign Trade Co., Ltd., describing the initiative as a significant step towards improving Nigeria's logistics capacity and strengthening bilateral economic cooperation.
"Transport and logistics are no longer merely support services; they are strategic economic assets. Countries that invest in efficient logistics systems become more competitive, attract greater investment, create quality jobs and unlock new opportunities for sustainable development. That is the direction Nigeria is pursuing through strategic partnerships such as this," he added.
Dr. Obayendo reaffirmed the Federal Government's commitment to supporting policies and partnerships that promote efficient transportation systems, logistics innovation, trade facilitation and sustainable industrial development.
He expressed confidence that the outcomes of the Ningbo Forum would strengthen Nigeria–China economic cooperation, boost private sector investment and enhance Nigeria's competitiveness within the global trading system.
He also called on governments, development partners, financial institutions and the private sector to sustain collaboration in implementing the agreements reached at the forum to maximise their long-term economic benefits.
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