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
CGCOC Group Co., Ltd was originally established in 1983 as CGC Nigeria Ltd., when Chinese engineers first came to Nigeria under a government-aid project to drill water supply wells. This initial operation became the company’s local presence in Nigeria.
In 2002, CGC Nigeria was integrated into the larger CGCOC Group following the creation of CGC Overseas Construction Group Co., Ltd., as the company expanded its operations internationally.
Its water division has constructed over 100 water plants across 36 states. Notable projects include the Dadinkowa Water Plant in Gombe State, which sources water from Dadinkowa Dam, treats it, and distributes it to Gombe city, with a capacity of 50,000 tons per day.
- CGCOC has handled major road infrastructure projects, including the Abuja Outer North Ring Expressway (ONXE) and the South Outer Ring Expressway (OSEX). The ONXE Project spans 20.35 km with ten two-way lanes, designed to ease traffic congestion in the capital, while the OSEX Project covers 6.25 km, including bridges, pedestrian overpasses, drainage, and integrated city utilities.
- CGCOC also executed the Greater Abuja Water Supply Project, launched in 2021 in partnership with the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) and financed jointly with the Export-Import Bank of China.
