Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, has called for the swift implementation of the newly signed Nigeria-China Aquatic Products Protocol, saying the agreement must translate into increased exports, foreign exchange earnings and expanded 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 Ambassador was accompanied by officials of the Chinese Embassy, including Zhu Songbo, Chief of Political Section, and the Deputy Director of the Economic and Commercial Section.
Also present were the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS), Dr Vincent Isegbe, representatives of the Federal Ministry of Justice and members of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership.
The protocol, which followed nearly five years of negotiations, provides eligible Nigerian aquatic products with zero-tariff access to China’s market of more than 1.4 billion consumers.
Welcoming Ambassador Yu, Tegbe commended China’s continued support for the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP), particularly in strengthening trade and business relations between both countries.
He noted that bilateral trade had reached $18 billion in the first half of 2026, compared with $28 billion recorded throughout 2025, describing the aquatic products agreement as a major opportunity to accelerate Nigeria’s export growth.
According to him, effective implementation of the protocol could also help advance other initiatives, including the proposed Zero Tariff Agreement for African countries.
The Minister therefore urged Nigerian exporters and businesses to move quickly to take advantage of the new market access.
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 described Tegbe’s appointment as a reflection of his leadership, vision and pragmatism, while highlighting the significant room for deeper economic cooperation between Nigeria and China.
Yu 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.
He said the figures demonstrated the enormous untapped potential in the economic relationship between both countries.
The Chinese envoy also assured the Minister of continued support from the Chinese government as Nigeria works to modernise and expand its power infrastructure.
Meanwhile, the NAQS Comptroller-General, Dr Vincent Isegbe, pledged the agency’s support in ensuring compliance and facilitating the export of Nigerian aquatic products to China.
Isegbe also identified opportunities for similar market-access agreements covering other agricultural and fishery products, stressing the need for Nigeria to maximise growing global demand for aquatic products.
The private sector also expressed readiness to take advantage of the agreement. Atlantic Shrimpers, which has been engaging with the Chinese market since 2018, said it was prepared to commence exports and had already identified potential buyers.
Stakeholders at the meeting agreed to make implementation a priority, with emphasis on measurable export and economic outcomes.
The Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership is expected to continue coordinating efforts aimed at deepening bilateral economic cooperation, expanding Nigerian exports and creating sustainable opportunities for businesses.
