Best Way to Pay China Suppliers from Nigeria in 2025
AliPay, WeChat Pay, or bank transfer? We compare all options for Nigerian importers.
The Challenge of Paying Chinese Suppliers
Nigeria imports billions of dollars of goods from China annually. But paying Chinese suppliers has always been complicated — SWIFT transfers are slow, informal brokers are risky, and many suppliers now prefer digital wallets like AliPay and WeChat Pay.
This guide covers all three major payment methods — AliPay, WeChat Pay, and bank transfer (SWIFT) — and tells you which is best for your situation.
Method 1: AliPay (Recommended for Retail & Small Suppliers)
AliPay is the most widely used payment app in China, owned by Ant Group (Alibaba). Most Chinese suppliers — especially small-to-medium traders — have AliPay accounts.
Best for: Paying factories, wholesalers, and suppliers on Alibaba 1688, Taobao, and similar platforms.
Speed: Instant — funds hit the supplier's AliPay wallet in minutes.
What you need: Supplier's +86 phone number or email registered on AliPay.
Raiz Finance lets you pay any Chinese AliPay account directly from Naira. Learn how AliPay payments work on Raiz.
Method 2: WeChat Pay (Common for Manufacturers & Direct Suppliers)
WeChat Pay is integrated into the WeChat app — the messaging platform 90%+ of Chinese people use daily. Many manufacturers prefer receiving payments directly on WeChat.
Best for: Manufacturers, direct suppliers, and contacts you communicate with on WeChat.
Speed: Instant — funds appear in the WeChat wallet immediately.
What you need: Supplier's +86 WeChat-registered phone number or WeChat ID.
Raiz supports direct WeChat Pay payments from Naira.
Method 3: Bank Transfer (SWIFT) — For Larger Orders
For larger transactions or suppliers that require formal bank-to-bank transfers, SWIFT is the standard. It's slower (1–3 business days) but provides a formal payment record preferred by larger manufacturers.
Best for: Large factories, formal purchase orders, suppliers requiring official receipts.
Speed: 1–3 business days.
What you need: Bank name, SWIFT code, account number, beneficiary name and address.
Send SWIFT transfers to China via Raiz.
Comparison: Which Should You Use?
| Method | Speed | Best For | Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| AliPay | Instant | Small-mid suppliers | Per account |
| WeChat Pay | Instant | Direct contacts | Per account |
| SWIFT | 1-3 days | Large factories | Unlimited |
The Risks of Using Informal Brokers
Many Nigerian importers use informal "China payment agents" — individuals who accept Naira and claim to pay Chinese suppliers on their behalf. This is extremely risky:
- High commission fees (5–15%)
- Delayed payments that hold up your supply chain
- Risk of outright fraud — the broker disappears with your money
- No paper trail or recourse if something goes wrong
Raiz Finance provides a regulated, transparent alternative. Read our guide on avoiding China payment scams.
Pay Your Chinese Supplier Through Raiz
AliPay, WeChat Pay, and SWIFT — all from Naira, at the best rates.