The Federal Government is seeking to position Nigeria’s aquatic products sector for greater access to the Chinese market following the conclusion of the Nigeria-China Aquatic Products Protocol.
The government has urged Nigerian exporters to move quickly to take advantage of the agreement, which grants eligible Nigerian aquatic products zero-tariff access to China’s 1.4 billion-consumer market.
The Minister of Power, Joseph 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 was concluded after nearly five years of negotiations and is expected to boost Nigeria’s aquatic exports, increase foreign exchange earnings and create new opportunities for businesses operating in the sector.
Tegbe said the focus should now shift from signing the agreement to ensuring its effective implementation and enabling Nigerian businesses to take full advantage of the market opportunity.
He urged exporters to move quickly to capture the benefits of the protocol and increase Nigeria’s presence in the Chinese market.
“The landmark agreement must be translated into higher exports, foreign exchange earnings and stronger opportunities for Nigerian businesses,” Tegbe said.
The minister also commended the Chinese government for its continued support of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership and efforts to strengthen trade and business relations between both countries.
According to the minister, bilateral trade between Nigeria and China reached $18 billion in the first half of 2026, compared with $28 billion recorded for the entire year in 2025.
He said the successful implementation of the aquatic products protocol could also help accelerate other trade initiatives, including the proposed Zero Tariff Agreement for African countries.
The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, reaffirmed the embassy’s commitment to supporting the implementation of the agreement and facilitating the entry of qualified Nigerian aquatic products into the Chinese market.
Yu said the growth in bilateral trade demonstrated the significant potential for deeper economic cooperation between both countries.
He disclosed that 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 same period.
The ambassador said the figures showed that there was significant room for Nigeria to expand its exports to the Chinese market.
He also assured the Nigerian government of China’s support as Nigeria seeks to modernise and expand its power system.
The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS), Dr Vincent Isegbe, said the agency would support exporters in meeting the necessary compliance requirements for accessing the Chinese market.
Isegbe also identified opportunities for similar market-access agreements covering other agricultural and fishery products.
He said Nigeria could significantly increase its aquatic exports to China if the country effectively leveraged the growing global demand for aquatic products.
The protocol was signed in the presence of officials from the Chinese Embassy, NAQS, the Federal Ministry of Justice and the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership.
The Federal Government is expected to work with relevant agencies and exporters to ensure that Nigerian aquatic products meet the standards required to access the Chinese market and that local businesses can maximize the benefits of the new trade arrangement.