Nigeria targets China’s 1.4bn market with zero-tariff fish exports
CAPTION: L-R: The Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, in a handshake with the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai. CREDIT: Power Ministry.
Nigeria is seeking to turn a newly concluded aquatic products agreement with China into a major export opportunity, with the Federal Government urging exporters to move quickly to take advantage of zero-tariff access to the country’s 1.4 billion-consumer market.
This came as the Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, called for swift implementation of the Nigeria-China Aquatic Products Protocol, urging that the landmark agreement be translated into higher exports, foreign exchange earnings and stronger opportunities for Nigerian businesses.
The Minister spoke during a courtesy visit and reception after the signing of the Nigeria-China Aquatic Protocol by the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, H.E. Yu Dunhai, accompanied by Zhu Songbo, the Embassy’s Chief of Political Section, and the Deputy Director of the Economic and Commercial Section; the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service, Dr Vincent Isegbe; and representatives of the Federal Ministry of Justice and the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership.
A statement signed by the minister’s media aide, Adeola Labzy, on Thursday said the call followed the signing of the Nigeria-China Aquatic Products Protocol after nearly five years of negotiations, with the government targeting increased exports, foreign exchange earnings and stronger opportunities for Nigerian businesses.
The statement read, “The Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, has called for swift implementation of the Nigeria-China Aquatic Products Protocol, urging that the landmark agreement be translated into higher exports, foreign exchange earnings and stronger opportunities for Nigerian businesses.
“The Protocol, concluded after nearly five years of negotiation, grants eligible Nigerian aquatic products zero-tariff access to China’s 1.4-billion-consumer market.”
Welcoming the Ambassador, the Minister thanked him for his continued support for the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership in promoting Nigeria-China trade and business relations, which has culminated in a trade volume of $18bn for the first half of 2026, compared to $28bn for the entire year 2025.
He said the Protocol’s success would help fast-track other initiatives, including the Zero Tariff Agreement for African countries, and urged Nigerian exporters to move quickly to capture the opportunity. CBN relaxes borrowing rules for banks trading FX, government securities Industry Newspaper announces chair for impact companies awards Oil import FX demand jumps 115% despite local production
“The landmark agreement must be translated into higher exports, foreign exchange earnings and stronger opportunities for Nigerian businesses,” Tegbe stated.
On his part, Ambassador Yu reaffirmed the Embassy’s commitment to supporting implementation and facilitating qualified Nigerian exports into the Chinese market, describing the Minister’s appointment as a testament to his leadership, vision and pragmatism.
He cited a 35 per cent rise in bilateral trade and an 80-per cent increase in Nigerian exports in H1 2026 as evidence of untapped potential for cooperation with Nigeria, and assured the Minister of the Chinese government’s support as Nigeria seeks to modernise and expand its power system.
“The 35-per cent rise in bilateral trade and an 80-per cent increase in Nigerian exports in H1 2026 are evidence of the untapped potential for cooperation with Nigeria.”
In his remarks, NAQS’s Comptroller-General reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to compliance support and flagged potential for similar market-access deals in other agricultural and fishery products, noting that world aquatic products demand could double Nigeria’s exports to China if properly leveraged.
He noted, “World aquatic products demand could double Nigeria’s exports to China if properly leveraged.”
The private sector, represented by Atlantic Shrimpers, whose engagement with the Chinese market dates to 2018, said it is ready to begin exports and has already identified buyers.
Stakeholders agreed to prioritise implementation and measurable outcomes, with the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership to continue driving deeper economic cooperation, increased exports and sustainable opportunities for Nigerian businesses.
Damilola Aina
Damilola Aina is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over five years of experience covering energy, business, investment, infrastructure, and property sectors. He specializes in producing well-researched and insightful reports that inform readers and provide clarity on complex topics. Damilola’s work demonstrates practical newsroom experience, editorial insight, and a strong commitment to accurate and engaging journalism.
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