ACCBCF Seeks More China-Nigeria Investment in Energy, Local Manufacturing
ABUJA — The Africa China Chairmen of Business Council Forum (ACCBCF) has called for stronger investment partnerships between Nigerian and Chinese businesses in the energy sector, with emphasis on technology transfer, local manufacturing and long-term industrial development.
The call was made by the National Chairman of ACCBCF, High Chief Mike Yousuf Ugwu, at the 2026 Nigeria International New Energy and Power Industry Expo and International Lighting Exhibition in Lagos.
Ugwu said Nigeria’s expanding market and industrial potential, combined with China’s manufacturing and technological capabilities, could provide a platform for deeper economic cooperation and the development of local value chains.
He urged Chinese companies operating in Nigeria to look beyond the supply of finished products and consider the country as a potential manufacturing and investment base for accessing the wider West African market.
According to him, stronger business-to-business partnerships could facilitate investment, technology transfer, skills development and the growth of Nigerian participation in energy-related value chains.
The Lagos exhibition brought together government representatives, investors, manufacturers and technology providers from Nigeria, China and other countries to examine opportunities in electricity, renewable energy, energy storage, lighting and related technologies.
Discussions at the event centred on investment opportunities, energy efficiency, smart technologies and ways of adapting technological solutions to Nigeria’s infrastructure and industrial needs.
A representative of the Chinese Consulate General in Lagos, Yan Yuqing, encouraged businesses participating in the exhibition to explore opportunities for investment, technology exchange and innovation, particularly in smart lighting, artificial intelligence, energy-efficient technologies and green solutions.
The Federal Government also highlighted the importance of increasing domestic assembly and manufacturing of solar, lighting and power equipment as part of efforts to strengthen local value addition and industrial capacity.
For businesses, greater domestic production could create opportunities across equipment manufacturing, assembly, maintenance, energy services, technology development and supporting supply chains.
The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) further highlighted the connection between reliable electricity and economic activity, noting the importance of energy access to businesses, healthcare, education and community development.
The agency’s interventions include grid and off-grid electrification, renewable-energy mini-grids, solar home systems and productive-use applications. It also called for stronger collaboration among investors, technology providers, financial institutions, development partners and state governments to expand energy solutions, particularly in underserved communities.
Lagos State, at the exhibition, presented opportunities within its electricity market, including generation, transmission, distribution, metering, energy storage and embedded power systems. The state also outlined initiatives involving renewable energy, smart solar street lighting and electric mobility.
Kano State similarly showcased opportunities in energy efficiency, industrial power supply and electricity access, including its 10-megawatt Hasken Power Plant at the Shanawa Industrial Cluster.
The exhibition also featured technologies such as solar systems, battery storage, smart grids, mini-grids, intelligent lighting, electric mobility and advanced metering.
For ACCBCF, the discussions underscore the potential for Nigeria-China commercial relations to increasingly encompass investment and industrial partnerships alongside conventional trade.
The forum is seeking to facilitate connections among governments, businesses, investors and technology providers that can support practical partnerships in sectors with potential for industrial and economic development.
Source: Africa-China News report.
