By Our Correspondent
Nigerian and Chinese business leaders have met in Beijing to explore ways to strengthen financial connectivity, improve cross-border payments and expand investment opportunities between the two countries.
The high-level business and financial roundtable, convened by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, was held at the Pan Pacific Beijing under the theme, “Strengthening the Nigeria–China Financial Corridor.”
The engagement provided a platform for businesses operating in both markets to share their experiences, identify barriers to financial transactions and explore practical measures to strengthen banking relationships and investment channels.
CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso emphasised the importance of engaging directly with businesses to understand the opportunities and constraints affecting financial activities between Nigeria and China.
In his opening remarks, CBN Deputy Governor for Economic Policy, Philip Ikeazor, highlighted the need to translate Nigeria’s improving macroeconomic fundamentals into increased investment and deeper financial markets.
Other speakers included Nigeria’s Ambassador to China, Lt. Gen. Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau (rtd.); Chairperson of Blue Diamond Group, Festus Mbisiogu; and Chairperson of CIG Motors, Chief Diana Chen, who shared perspectives from businesses operating along the Nigeria–China economic corridor.
A key feature of the roundtable was an interactive listening session during which participants discussed opportunities for expanding financial activities and the practical challenges associated with conducting transactions between the two countries.
Other issues raised were the need for more efficient cross-border payment systems, stronger banking connectivity and the potential benefits of expanding the presence of Nigerian banks in China.
Participants also examined opportunities to facilitate financial flows and improve access to financial services and investment opportunities in Nigeria.
The meeting featured a presentation on Nigeria’s economic reform progress, improving macroeconomic fundamentals and emerging investment opportunities in the country’s financial markets.
In his closing remarks, Cardoso stressed the importance of translating stakeholder engagement into a clearer understanding of the financial and institutional challenges requiring attention.
The insights gathered are expected to inform the CBN’s continued engagement with relevant financial institutions and regulatory counterparts, with a focus on practical areas of cooperation within the Bank’s mandate.
The Beijing roundtable forms part of the CBN’s broader strategy to deepen Nigeria’s financial relationships across Asia.
Following engagements in Singapore and at the IMF/World Bank Annual Meetings in Bangkok, the Bank’s programme in China includes bilateral discussions with the People’s Bank of China, engagemwith the leadership of the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), and meetings with Nigerian and Chinese businesses.
The programme will also extend to Guangzhou, where the CBN is scheduled to hold a listening session with members of the Nigerian business community to better understand their financial challenges and explore opportunities to strengthen remittance channels and facilitate investment in Nigeria.
As Nigeria and China continue to advance their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, stronger financial cooperation could unlock new opportunities for businesses, investors and entrepreneurs while supporting Nigeria’s economic diversification and sustainable development objectives.
Effective financial connectivity, beyond linking markets, can help build confidence, facilitate enterprise and translate longstanding diplomatic relations into tangible economic benefits for Nigeria and its people.
(GSF, with contributions from RealNews)
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