Traders association seeks China visa support for members

The Made-in-China Goods Traders Association of Nigeria has appealed to the Chinese government to provide visa support and greater trade opportunities for its members to strengthen economic relations between Nigeria and China. The association made the appeal on Wednesday during a courtesy visit to the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos, Madam Yan Yuqing. Speaking during the visit, the National President and Patron of the association, Adigun Samuel, said the group, which has existed for more than a decade, was established to promote Made-in-China products and deepen bilateral trade relations between both countries. According to Samuel, members of the association have consistently supported legitimate business activities and contributed to the growth of commercial ties between Nigeria and China. “Over the years, our members have remained committed to supporting legitimate business activities and encouraging positive economic cooperation between both countries,” he said. Samuel, however, lamented that despite the association’s contributions to trade and commerce, it had not received the level of recognition and support expected from the Chinese Consulate. “Despite our long-standing existence and contributions, we are yet to receive the desired attention and recognition from the Consulate. This has limited our ability to fully achieve the purpose of our establishment and effectively support our members,” he stated. The association specifically requested easier access to visas for both first-time and regular travellers among its members, particularly those seeking to attend trade fairs and exhibitions in China. Samuel urged the Chinese Consulate to consider members of the association for participation in major trade events, including the Canton Fair, one of the world’s largest import and export trade exhibitions held in China. • Top seeds begin battle at 2026 WTT Contender Lagos • CONMESS disparity: UNILAG medical lecturers begin indefinite strike • Court urged to reverse Honda-HAWA merger “We humbly use this golden opportunity to request greater inclusiveness and opportunities for visa support for our members who want to visit China for the first time and the regular travellers among us to participate in trade exhibitions and official events organised or supported by the Consulate, especially the Canton Fair and other important trade shows in China,” he said. He added that increased participation in such events would help traders gain broader exposure, strengthen business networks and improve compliance with international trade standards. “Such opportunities will help us guide our members properly and encourage them to serve as good ambassadors of Nigeria while strictly obeying the laws and regulations of the People’s Republic of China,” he added. The association also appealed to the Chinese government to provide scholarship opportunities and capacity-building programmes for its members through training initiatives in China. “We also request the Consulate for consideration of our members for scholarships to participate in China inbound training programmes for knowledge and skills development, cultural exchange, international exposure and capacity building,” Samuel said. He further expressed the association’s desire to become actively involved in programmes and activities organised by the Chinese Consulate in Nigeria. “Finally, we sincerely wish to become part of the regular activities of the Consulate so that we can continue contributing positively to the economic growth and trade relationship between China and Nigeria,” he said. China remains one of Nigeria’s largest trading partners, with bilateral trade relations spanning infrastructure development, manufacturing, telecommunications and importation of consumer goods. Nigerian traders, particularly importers of electronics, household items, machinery and textiles, frequently travel to China for sourcing and business negotiations. In recent years, concerns over visa accessibility and travel processes have remained major issues among Nigerian traders seeking to expand business opportunities in the Asian country.