By Ayomide Otitoju
The Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, has called for the swift implementation of the Nigeria-China Aquatic Products Protocol to boost Nigerian exports, increase foreign exchange earnings and create more opportunities for local businesses.
Tegbe made the call during a courtesy visit and reception following the signing of the protocol by the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai.
The agreement, concluded after nearly five years of negotiations, provides eligible Nigerian aquatic products with zero-tariff access to China’s market of about 1.4 billion consumers.
The minister said effective implementation of the agreement would help strengthen trade ties between Nigeria and China and encourage Nigerian exporters to take advantage of the new market access.
Tegbe said Nigeria-China trade reached $18 billion in the first half of 2026, compared with $28 billion for the whole of 2025.
He added that the success of the aquatic products agreement could help accelerate other trade initiatives, including the proposed Zero Tariff Agreement for African countries.
Ambassador Yu reaffirmed China’s commitment to supporting the implementation of the protocol and facilitating the entry of qualified Nigerian products into the Chinese market.
He said bilateral trade increased by 35 per cent in the first half of 2026, while Nigerian exports to China rose by 80 per cent during the period, highlighting the potential for deeper economic cooperation.
Yu also assured Tegbe of the Chinese government’s continued support for Nigeria’s efforts to modernise and expand its power sector.
The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS), Dr Vincent Isegbe, pledged the agency’s support for compliance and export requirements.
Isegbe also identified opportunities for similar market-access agreements covering other agricultural and fishery products.
Representatives of Atlantic Shrimpers said the company was ready to commence exports to China, noting that it had already identified potential buyers.
Stakeholders agreed to prioritise the implementation of the protocol and focus on measurable outcomes as Nigeria and China seek to deepen economic cooperation, expand exports and create sustainable opportunities for Nigerian businesses.
