The 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 businesses across the country.
Tegbe made the call when the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, paid him a courtesy visit following the signing of the Protocol.
The agreement, concluded after nearly five years of negotiations, grants eligible Nigerian aquatic products zero-tariff access to China’s market of about 1.4 billion consumers.
The Minister said the agreement was a significant milestone in strengthening economic ties between Nigeria and China, urging Nigerian exporters to move quickly to take advantage of the new market access.
He disclosed that Nigeria-China trade reached 18 billion dollars in the first half of 2026, compared with 28 billion dollars recorded throughout 2025.
Tegbe said the success of the Protocol could also help accelerate other trade initiatives, including the proposed Zero Tariff Agreement for African countries.
The Chinese Ambassador, Yu Dunhai, reaffirmed China’s commitment to supporting the implementation of the agreement, and facilitating the entry of qualified Nigerian products into the Chinese market.
He said bilateral trade increased by 35 percent in the first half of 2026, while Nigerian exports to China rose by 80 per cent during the period.
The Ambassador also pledged the Chinese government’s continued support for Nigeria’s efforts to modernise and expand its power system.
The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service, Vincent Isegbe, said the agency would support exporters in meeting the required compliance standards.
A private-sector representative, Atlantic Shrimpers, said it was ready to commence exports, noting that it had already identified buyers in the Chinese market.
Stakeholders however, have agreed to prioritise the implementation of the Protocol and ensure measurable outcomes through increased exports, deeper economic cooperation and sustainable opportunities for Nigerian businesses.
