China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) estimates that about 100,000 Chinese people live in Nigeria, mainly in Lagos, Kano and Abuja. Chinese companies and business chambers form the backbone of the community, led by the China General Chamber of Commerce in Nigeria, founded in Abuja in 2011. China Town in Ojota, Lagos, is the main place to shop and meet.
The Chinese community in Nigeria in numbers
Key points
- About 100,000 Chinese live in Nigeria (MOFCOM 2025), mainly in Lagos, Kano and Abuja.
- The China General Chamber of Commerce in Nigeria was founded in 2011, has 182 member firms and has been chaired by CCECC since 2023.
- China Town Lagos in Ojota opened in 2004 and has a Chinese supermarket, restaurants, a clinic and apartments. Sunday is its busiest day.
- MOFCOM advises newly arrived Chinese firms to register with the Embassy or Consulate commercial office and to consider joining the Chamber.
How many Chinese live in Nigeria?
There is no census of Chinese residents, and estimates vary widely. The most common figures are below; we use MOFCOM’s 2025 figure of about 100,000 as our main reference.
| Source | Estimate | Year |
|---|---|---|
| MOFCOM country guide (2025 edition) | about 100,000 | 2025 |
| Chinese ambassador (reported by The Sun) | about 40,000 and falling | 2017 |
| Academic estimate | about 100,000 | 2007 |
Numbers rise and fall with project cycles. MOFCOM also puts the total number of foreign workers in Nigeria at about 80,000, mostly brought in by foreign firms. See our overview of Nigerian cities for how Chinese life differs between cities.
Associations and chambers
China General Chamber of Commerce in Nigeria
According to MOFCOM’s 2025 guide, the Chamber was founded in Abuja in 2011, has 182 member companies and has been chaired by CCECC since 2023. It runs WeChat security-alert groups and holds Spring Festival and Mid-Autumn events. The guide gives its address as Plot 674 Musa Yar’Adua Way, Abuja, with email cgcc@cgccnig.com and telephone +234-8139600302. Contact details may change, so confirm before visiting.
Lagos chambers and community groups
- Lagos Chinese Chamber of Industry and Commerce (拉各斯中国工商联合会): listed by MOFCOM on Idejo Street, Victoria Island.
- Nigeria Chinese Trading Enterprises Association (尼日利亚中国商贸企业协会): listed by MOFCOM on Broad Street, Lagos.
- West Africa & Nigeria Overseas Chinese Joint Association: founded in Lagos in 2010.
The published contact details for the Lagos groups are old, and we could not confirm they still work in 2026. Check through the Consulate or community contacts.
China Town Lagos
China Town Lagos in Ojota opened in 2004 and is known for its pink walls and red archway. Inside are a Chinese supermarket, a pork butcher, a restaurant, a Chinese-staffed clinic and dozens of apartments. On Sundays Chinese residents from all over Lagos come to shop. Trading malls such as Old and New Dragon City and Jinmao also host many Chinese traders. In September 2026 Lagos traders protested against Chinese wholesalers selling directly to retail customers and asked for talks with the government and Chinese suppliers. Staying compliant and keeping good relations with local traders matters more than ever. For everyday shopping tips, see our living in Nigeria guide.
Chinese business in Nigeria
China is Nigeria’s largest trading partner. Bilateral trade reached $21.89bn in 2024, and the Chinese ambassador put first-half 2026 trade at about $18bn, up roughly 35%. Major Chinese companies include CCECC, CGC, CNOOC, CHEC and Huawei. Transsion’s Tecno, Infinix and itel held about 51% of Nigeria’s mobile vendor share in February 2025. For setting up in zones such as Lekki, read our free trade zones guide and company registration guide.
Festivals and exchanges
2026 marks 55 years of China–Nigeria diplomatic relations. The Chamber and the diplomatic missions hold Spring Festival and Mid-Autumn events each year. The two Confucius Institutes run the Chinese Bridge competition, and Chinese firms and associations often sponsor Nigerian students. See our education section for more on Mandarin in Nigeria.
Getting connected
- Join your company’s, the Chamber’s or a hometown WeChat group soon after arrival to receive security alerts.
- Companies should register with the Embassy or Consulate commercial office.
- Respect Nigerian law, your Nigerian staff and your neighbours. That is the foundation for the community’s future.
- New arrivals can work through our first-30-days checklist.
Sources
- MOFCOM country guide: Nigeria (2025 edition)
- Chinese people in Nigeria (Wikipedia)
- China Global South: Lagos China Town (May 2026)
- Arise: Lagos traders’ protest (Sept 2026)
- Guardian Nigeria: China Commodities Expo and H1 2026 trade
- Intelpoint: Nigeria phone brand share (Feb 2025)
FAQ
How many Chinese people live in Nigeria?
About 100,000 according to MOFCOM's 2025 country guide, mainly in Lagos, Kano and Abuja.
What is the China General Chamber of Commerce in Nigeria?
A chamber of Chinese companies founded in Abuja in 2011, with 182 members, chaired by CCECC since 2023; it runs WeChat security-alert groups.
Where is China Town in Lagos?
In Ojota, Lagos; it opened in 2004 and has a Chinese supermarket, restaurant, clinic and apartments.
Facts checked: 2026-10-22 · Niriliya Huaren Editorial Team · How we check facts