The economic relationship between China and Nigeria has grown into one of the most visible partnerships in Africa, with the country becoming the largest builder of infrastructure in Nigeria.
Over the past two decades, both countries have strengthened ties through trade, infrastructure financing, and investment driven by Nigeria’s need for capital and gaps in critical infrastructure industrial capacity and China’s search for markets, resources, and geopolitical influence.
Chinese firms have brought technical expertise, manpower, and financing that have accelerated the execution of large‑scale projects, with China’s direct investment in Nigeria reaching $ 690 million, rising by 103% in 2025.
Aside from this, trade figures highlight that in July 2025, trade between the two countries had risen by 34.7% to $15.48 billion, and by December, trade volume reached 28 billion US dollars, an increase of more than 28 percent year-on-year.
Today, hundreds of Chinese firms operate in Nigeria across a range of sectors, predominantly in construction, but also in manufacturing, telecommunications, and energy. As these companies continue to grow their footprint, they remain central players in Nigeria’s effort to expand and modernize its infrastructure.
Here are the top Chinese construction companies in Nigeria
China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation is one of the longest‑established Chinese construction firms operating in Nigeria, with a presence in the country since the early 1980s.
The company builds major infrastructure projects and has become a familiar name in Nigeria’s drive to expand and modernize its transport network and other public works.
- CCECC built the Lagos‑Ibadan Railway, a 157‑kilometre line linking Lagos and Ibadan, which began operations in 2021, more recently, they ventured into commercial freight services licenced by the Nigerian Railway Corporation making it the first company authorised to operate cargo trains on the corridor.
- The company also constructed the 187‑kilometre Abuja‑Kaduna Railway, further strengthening connections between the Federal Capital Territory and northern Nigeria.
- Beyond these, CCECC was also contracted for the Ibadan–Ilorin (200 km), Ilorin–Minna (270 km) and Minna–Abuja (300 km) segments that form part of the planned Lagos‑Kano rail corridor, and it is responsible for the 204‑kilometre Kaduna–Kano project. In addition, the firm is handling the Port Harcourt–Maiduguri rail line rehabilitation project.
