Abayomi Susan
The Honourable Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, has called for the swift implementation of the Nigeria-China Aquatic Products Protocol, saying the agreement should translate into increased exports, foreign exchange earnings and greater opportunities for Nigerian businesses.
Tegbe made the call during a courtesy visit and reception following the signing of the Protocol by the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, H.E. Yu Dunhai.
The delegation included Zhu Songbo, the Embassy’s Chief of Political Section; the Deputy Director of the Economic and Commercial Section; 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.
The Protocol, which followed nearly five years of negotiations, provides eligible Nigerian aquatic products with zero-tariff access to the Chinese market, which has a consumer base of about 1.4 billion people.
Welcoming the Chinese Ambassador, Tegbe expressed appreciation for China’s continued support for the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership and efforts to strengthen trade and business relations between both countries.
He noted that bilateral trade reached $18 billion in the first half of 2026, compared with $28 billion recorded for the whole of 2025.
The Minister said effective implementation of the Protocol could help accelerate other trade initiatives, including the proposed Zero Tariff Agreement for African countries. He also urged Nigerian exporters to take advantage of the new market-access opportunity.
Ambassador Yu reaffirmed China’s commitment to supporting the implementation of the agreement and facilitating the entry of qualified Nigerian aquatic products into the Chinese market.
He highlighted the growing trade relationship between both countries, citing a 35 per cent increase in bilateral trade and an 80 per cent rise in Nigerian exports during the first half of 2026.
The Ambassador also pledged continued Chinese government support for Nigeria’s efforts to modernise and expand its power sector.
Meanwhile, the Comptroller-General of NAQS, Dr. Vincent Isegbe, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to supporting exporters in meeting regulatory and compliance requirements.
He said the success of the aquatic products agreement could pave the way for similar market-access arrangements covering other agricultural and fishery products.
Representatives of the private sector, including Atlantic Shrimpers, said they were prepared to commence exports to China, noting that the company had been engaging with the Chinese market since 2018 and had already identified potential buyers.
Stakeholders at the meeting agreed to prioritise the implementation of the Protocol and ensure measurable outcomes, with the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership expected to continue driving stronger economic cooperation, increased exports and sustainable opportunities for Nigerian businesses.
