Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation and a cornerstone of the continent’s economic potential, presents compelling opportunities for Chinese investors in sectors like infrastructure, energy, agriculture, and emerging technologies such as lithium mining and electric vehicles. With bilateral trade surpassing $15 billion in the first seven months of 2025 alone, a 34.7% year-on-year increase, the momentum is clear.

While Nigeria’s landscape offers high rewards, it demands diligence. We emphasise the critical role of experienced local counsel familiar with Chinese business practices, alongside robust contract management and ongoing supervision. Through the guidance of experienced local counsel, Chinese investors, particularly state-owned enterprises (SOEs), can develop well-structured contractual arrangements and adopt strategic approaches to dispute management, thereby fostering long-term and sustainable value creation. These elements not only mitigate risks but also unlock sustainable value, ensuring your clients’ ventures thrive amid Africa’s dynamic growth story.

In this edition of navigating business in Nigeria, we demystify the key legal and practical considerations for incorporation, taxation, labour, geopolitics, and regulatory compliance in Nigeria, offering a technically robust yet accessible analysis for Chinese Senior Lawyers and General Counsels.