The establishment of diplomatic/consular relations between Nigeria and China predates the setting up of the Consulate General of Nigeria in Guangzhou, to over five (5) decades ago, when Nigeria and China established diplomatic relations with both countries reciprocally establishing Embassies in Beijing and Lagos (former capital city of Nigeria) respectively.

The establishment of the Consulate General of Nigeria in Guangzhou is a reinforcement of the good relations between the two parties to enable Nigeria handle mostly consular and economic concerns/interests of its nationals in three (3) main provinces of southern China, namely: (i) Guangdong Province, (ii) Hainan Province, and (iii) Guangxi Autonomous Region.