China Opens 1.4bn Market to Nigerian Aquatic Products

Nigeria’s aquatic products have secured zero-tariff access to China’s market of about 1.4 billion consumers following the signing of a new Nigeria-China Aquatic Products Protocol.

The development is expected to boost Nigerian exports and foreign exchange earnings, as bilateral trade between both countries reached $18 billion in the first half of 2026.

Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, disclosed that Nigerian exports to China increased by 80 per cent during the period.

The Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, who received the ambassador during a courtesy visit and reception following the signing of the protocol, urged Nigerian exporters and businesses to move quickly to take advantage of the new market opportunity.

According to the ministry, the protocol was concluded after nearly five years of negotiations and grants eligible Nigerian aquatic products zero-tariff access to the Chinese market.

Tegbe expressed appreciation to the Chinese government for its continued support for the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership and efforts to deepen trade and business relations between both countries.

He noted that bilateral trade reached $18 billion in the first half of 2026, compared with $28 billion recorded for the whole of 2025.

The minister said implementation of the aquatic products protocol would further strengthen economic ties between both countries and help fast-track other initiatives, including the Zero Tariff Agreement for African countries.

Ambassador Yu reaffirmed the Chinese Embassy’s commitment to supporting the implementation of the protocol and facilitating the entry of qualified Nigerian aquatic products into China.

He also said the 35 per cent increase in bilateral trade and 80 per cent rise in Nigerian exports during the first half of 2026 demonstrated the significant potential for deeper economic cooperation.

The ambassador further assured Tegbe of the Chinese government’s support for Nigeria’s efforts to modernise and expand its power system.