Nigeria-China aquatic protocol: Tegbe urges swift implementation to boost exports

By Onu Okorie

Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, has called for the swift implementation of the Nigeria-China Aquatic Products Protocol, saying the landmark agreement must translate into increased exports, higher 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 Zhu Songbo, the Embassy’s Chief of Political Section, and the Deputy Director of its 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 officials of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP).

The Protocol, concluded after nearly five years of negotiations, provides eligible Nigerian aquatic products with zero-tariff access to China’s market of about 1.4 billion consumers.

Welcoming the Chinese Ambassador, Tegbe commended him for his continued support for the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership and efforts to deepen 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 for the whole of 2025.

According to him, the successful implementation of the aquatic products agreement could accelerate other trade initiatives, including the proposed Zero Tariff Agreement for African countries.

Tegbe urged Nigerian exporters to move quickly to take advantage of the new market access, stressing the need to turn the agreement into measurable economic gains for the country.

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 the Chinese market.

The Ambassador described Tegbe’s appointment as a reflection of his leadership, vision and pragmatism. He said a 35 per cent increase in bilateral trade and an 80 per cent rise in Nigerian exports to China in the first half of 2026 demonstrated the significant untapped potential for further economic cooperation.

Yu also assured the Minister of the Chinese government’s support for Nigeria’s efforts to modernise and expand its power system.

The NAQS Comptroller-General, Dr Vincent Isegbe, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to providing compliance support to exporters. He also identified opportunities for securing similar market-access agreements for other agricultural and fishery products.

Isegbe said global demand for aquatic products presented an opportunity that, if properly leveraged, could significantly increase Nigeria’s exports to China.

Representing the private sector, Atlantic Shrimpers said it was ready to commence exports under the new arrangement, noting that the company had already identified potential buyers in the Chinese market.

Stakeholders at the meeting agreed to prioritise the implementation of the Protocol and ensure that its impact was measured through concrete export and economic outcomes.

The Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership is expected to continue coordinating efforts to deepen bilateral economic cooperation, increase Nigerian exports and create sustainable opportunities for businesses.