Nigeria’s Ogidigben Gas Industrial Park in Delta State has emerged as China’s largest overseas investment under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in 2025, highlighting the country’s growing importance in China’s global infrastructure strategy.
A new report by China energy analyst Christoph Nedopil shows that construction contracts linked to the Ogidigben project account for about $24.6 billion in BRI-related deals awarded to Nigeria this year. The single project alone represents roughly $20 billion of that total, making it the biggest BRI construction commitment globally in 2025.
The sharp rise has pushed Nigeria to the top of global Belt and Road construction rankings, with BRI contracts increasing from about $1.8 billion in 2024 to $24.6 billion in 2025. Analysts say the surge reflects China’s renewed focus on large-scale energy and industrial projects in Africa.
The Ogidigben Gas Industrial Park is one of Nigeria’s most ambitious gas-based developments. Planned as a major industrial hub, the park will host gas-powered industries including fertiliser, petrochemicals, methanol and aluminium production. It is designed to operate as a tax-free industrial zone under a public-private partnership arrangement.
The project is being supported by China National Chemical Engineering Corporation, which has committed to funding and construction through restructured financing and partnerships with Nigerian stakeholders. Chinese officials have described the project as part of a broader effort to support Nigeria’s industrial growth and long-term energy development.
Despite its current momentum, the Ogidigben project has faced years of delays. Past challenges included community disputes, security concerns and investor withdrawals, which stalled progress for long periods. In recent years, the Federal Government stepped in to revive the project by setting up new technical and steering committees to address bottlenecks and restore investor confidence.
The project site covers about 2,700 hectares and is strategically located close to major gas fields and existing pipeline infrastructure. It is expected to be linked to Nigeria’s gas transport network, ensuring steady gas supply for industrial use.
If fully implemented, the Ogidigben Gas Industrial Park could become a key part of Nigeria’s gas monetisation strategy, support industrialisation in the Niger Delta and create up to 250,000 direct and indirect jobs.
