The Minister of Power Joseph Tegbe, is pushing for swift action to unlock Nigeria’s aquatic export opportunities in China, following a landmark agreement granting eligible Nigerian aquatic products zero-tariff access to the country’s 1.4-billion-consumer market.
Tegbe made the call after the signing of the Nigeria-China Aquatic Products Protocol, which followed nearly five years of negotiations and is expected to boost Nigerian exports, foreign exchange earnings and business opportunities.
Receiving the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, and other stakeholders on a courtesy visit, the Minister said the agreement must quickly translate into tangible economic gains for Nigeria.
He pointed to the growing trade relationship between both countries, noting that Nigeria-China trade reached 18 billion dollars in the first half of 2026, compared with 28 billion dollars recorded throughout 2025.
Tegbe said the new aquatic products agreement provides an opportunity for Nigerian exporters to expand their presence in the Chinese market and urged businesses to move quickly to take advantage of the zero-tariff arrangement.
He also expressed optimism that the successful implementation of the protocol would help accelerate other trade initiatives, including the proposed Zero Tariff Agreement for African countries.
The Chinese Ambassador, Yu Dunhai, reaffirmed China’s commitment to supporting the implementation of the agreement and facilitating the entry of qualified Nigerian aquatic products into the Chinese market.
Yu disclosed that bilateral trade increased by 35 percent in the first half of 2026, while Nigerian exports to China grew by 80 percent within the same period.
He described the figures as evidence of the untapped potential for stronger economic cooperation between Nigeria and China.
The Ambassador also assured Nigeria of China’s continued support for the modernisation and expansion of the country’s power system.
Meanwhile, the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service, Dr Vincent Isegbe, pledged the agency’s support to exporters in meeting the necessary standards and compliance requirements.
Isegbe said the agreement could also create opportunities for similar market-access arrangements covering other agricultural and fishery products.
The private sector is already preparing to take advantage of the new opportunity. Atlantic Shrimpers, which has engaged with the Chinese market since 2018, said it is ready to begin exports and has already identified buyers.
However, stakeholders agreed to prioritise the implementation of the protocol and ensure measurable results, as Nigeria seeks to turn its expanding trade relationship with China into increased exports, foreign exchange earnings and sustainable opportunities for local businesses.