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The Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, has called for the swift implementation of the Nigeria-China Aquatic Products Protocol to boost Nigeria’s exports, foreign exchange earnings and business opportunities.
Tegbe made the call during a courtesy visit and reception following the signing of the protocol by the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, and other Nigerian and Chinese officials.
The agreement, concluded after nearly five years of negotiations, gives eligible Nigerian aquatic products zero-tariff access to China’s market of about 1.4 billion consumers.
Tegbe said the agreement must move beyond signing to deliver measurable economic benefits for Nigerian businesses.
He thanked the Chinese Embassy for its support for the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership, noting that bilateral trade reached $18 billion in the first half of 2026, compared with $28 billion recorded throughout 2025.
According to him, effective implementation of the aquatic products protocol would also help advance other trade initiatives, including the proposed Zero Tariff Agreement for African countries.
He urged Nigerian exporters to act quickly and take advantage of the new access to the Chinese market.
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The Chinese Ambassador, Yu, assured stakeholders of the embassy’s support for the implementation of the agreement and efforts to facilitate the entry of qualified Nigerian products into China.
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, describing the figures as evidence of the untapped potential for stronger economic cooperation.
Yu also pledged the Chinese government’s support for Nigeria’s efforts 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 compliance requirements.
Isegbe also pointed to opportunities for similar market-access agreements covering other agricultural and fishery products.
Representatives of the private sector, including Atlantic Shrimpers, said they were ready to begin exports to China, adding that the company had already identified potential buyers.
Stakeholders at the meeting agreed to focus on the speedy implementation of the protocol and measurable results, with the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership expected to continue driving increased exports and deeper economic cooperation between both countries.
