The Ogidigben Gas Revolution Industrial Park in Delta State has become the largest single beneficiary of construction contracts awarded under China’s Belt and Road Initiative in 2025.

This was revealed in a new report by Christoph Nedopil, a China energy expert at Griffith University.

The project, one of Nigeria’s most ambitious gas-based industrial developments, has previously faced setbacks including delays, ethnic tensions, and investor uncertainty.

The deal is valued at an estimated $24.6 billion, ranking among the largest projects undertaken by Chinese firms.

According to the report, Nigeria’s construction inflows surged from $1.8 billion in 2024 to $24.6 billion in 2025, driven largely by a $20 billion contract awarded to China National Chemical Engineering for the GRIP project.

The findings place Nigeria as the world’s leading destination for BRI construction activity in 2025, ahead of all other countries by total contract value.

Overall, Nigeria’s $24.6 billion in BRI construction contracts represents a thirteenfold increase from the previous year.

According to the report, the Ogidigben Gas Industrial Park alone accounts for about $20 billion of the total value.

Globally, BRI construction contracts climbed to $128.4 billion in 2025, representing an 81 per cent year-on-year increase, while overall BRI engagement reached approximately $213.5 billion across about 350 deals.

Energy continued to be a major driver of BRI activity, with global energy-related engagement rising to $93.9 billion.

Fossil fuel projects dominated, though green energy initiatives also recorded historic highs.

Africa also recorded a sharp increase in activity, with BRI construction engagement across the continent jumping to $61.2 billion — a 283 per cent year-on-year rise.

Analysts attribute the surge to trade incentives and tariff regimes that have made African countries more attractive for export-oriented Chinese investments than some Asian markets.