From David Onuoja, Abuja
The Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, has called for an increase and swift implementation of the Nigeria-China Aquatic Products Protocol, which he said, the landmark agreement will be translated into higher exports, foreign exchange earnings and stronger opportunities for Nigerian businesses.
The Minister made the call during a courtesy visit and reception after the signing of the Nigeria-China Aquatic Protocol, lead by the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, who was accompanied by Zhu Songbo, the Embassy’s Chief of Political Section, and the Deputy Director of the Economic and Commercial Section.
In a statement issued and signed by the Special Adviser on Media to the honourable Minister, Adeola Labzy, said, the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS), Dr Vincent Isegbe; and representatives of the Federal Ministry of Justice and the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership, concluded after nearly five years of negotiation, grants eligible Nigerian aquatic products zero-tariff access to China’s 1.4-billion-consumer market.
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Welcoming the Ambassador, the power Minister thanked him for his continued support to the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP) in promoting Nigeria-China trade and business relationship, which has culminated into a trade volume of $18 billion for the first half of 2026, compared to $28 billion for the entire year 2025.
He said, the Protocol’s success would help fast-track other initiatives, including the Zero Tariff Agreement for African countries, and urged Nigerian exporters to move quickly to capture the opportunity.
Dunhai reaffirmed the Embassy’s commitment to supporting implementation and facilitating qualified Nigerian exports into the Chinese market, describing the Minister’s appointment as a testament to his leadership, vision and pragmatism.
The Ambassador also cited a 35-percent rise in bilateral trade and an 80-percent increase in Nigerian exports in H1 2026 as evidence of untapped potential for cooperation with Nigeria, and assured the Minister of the Chinese government’s support as Nigeria seeks to modernize and expand its power system.
In his remarks, NAQS’s Comptroller-General, Dr Vincent Isegbe, reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to compliance support and flagged potential for similar market-access deals in other agricultural and fishery products, noting that, world aquatic products demand could double Nigeria’s exports to China if properly leveraged.
The private sector, represented by Atlantic Shrimpers, whose engagement with the Chinese market dates to 2018, said it is ready to begin exports and has already identified buyers.
Stakeholders at the signing event, agreed to prioritize implementation and measurable outcomes, with the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership to continue driving deeper economic cooperation, increased exports and sustainable opportunities for Nigerian businesses.
