By Stella Odueme
Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, has called for the swift implementation of the 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 when he received the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, who visited with senior officials of the Chinese Embassy, the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS), the Federal Ministry of Justice and representatives of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership, his Special Adviser on Media, Adeola Labzy, said in a statement.
The protocol, which followed 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 commended Ambassador Yu for his support for the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership and efforts to deepen bilateral trade and investment.
He disclosed that trade between both countries reached $18 billion in the first half of 2026, compared with $28 billion recorded for the whole of 2025.
Tegbe urged Nigerian exporters to move quickly to take advantage of the new market access, stressing that successful implementation of the protocol could also accelerate other trade initiatives, including the proposed Zero Tariff Agreement for African countries.
Ambassador Yu reaffirmed China’s commitment to supporting the implementation of the agreement and facilitating access for qualified Nigerian exporters to the Chinese market.
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 significant potential for further economic cooperation.
The ambassador also assured the minister of the Chinese government’s continued support for Nigeria’s efforts to modernise and expand its power sector.
The Comptroller-General of NAQS, Dr Vincent Isegbe, pledged the agency’s support in ensuring compliance with export requirements, while highlighting the potential for similar market-access agreements covering other agricultural and fishery products.
A private-sector representative, Atlantic Shrimpers, said the company was ready to commence exports under the new arrangement and had already identified buyers in China.
Stakeholders at the meeting agreed to prioritise the implementation of the protocol and ensure measurable outcomes in exports, investment and business opportunities.
The Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership is expected to continue driving deeper economic cooperation and expanding sustainable opportunities for Nigerian businesses.