The Honourable Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, has called for the swift implementation of the Nigeria-China Aquatic Products Protocol, urging stakeholders to translate the landmark agreement into increased exports, higher foreign exchange earnings and greater opportunities for Nigerian businesses.
Tegbe made the call during a courtesy visit and reception for the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, H.E. Yu Dunhai, following the signing of the Nigeria-China Aquatic Protocol.
The Ambassador was accompanied by Zhu Songbo, the Embassy’s Chief of Political Section; the Deputy Director of the Economic and Commercial Section; 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.
The Protocol, which was concluded after nearly five years of negotiations, provides eligible Nigerian aquatic products with zero-tariff access to China’s vast market of about 1.4 billion consumers.
Welcoming Ambassador Yu, Tegbe commended his continued support for the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP) 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 throughout 2025, describing the development as a clear indication of the growing economic relationship between Nigeria and China.
The Minister stressed that the success of the aquatic products agreement would help accelerate other strategic initiatives, including the proposed Zero Tariff Agreement for African countries.
He therefore urged Nigerian exporters and other private-sector players to move quickly to take advantage of the new market-access opportunity.
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.
He described Tegbe’s appointment as a reflection of his leadership, vision and pragmatism, while highlighting the enormous potential for stronger economic cooperation between Nigeria and China.
According to the Ambassador, bilateral trade increased by 35 per cent, while Nigerian exports to China rose by 80 per cent in the first half of 2026, underscoring the opportunities that remain available to both countries.
Yu also assured the Minister of the Chinese government’s continued support for Nigeria’s efforts to modernise and expand its power sector.
In his remarks, NAQS Comptroller-General, Dr Vincent Isegbe, reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to ensuring compliance and providing the necessary support to Nigerian exporters seeking access to international markets.
Isegbe also identified opportunities for similar market-access agreements covering other agricultural and fishery products, noting that growing global demand for aquatic products could significantly increase Nigeria’s exports to China if properly harnessed.
Representing the private sector, Atlantic Shrimpers disclosed its readiness to commence exports to the Chinese market, revealing that the company, which has been engaging with Chinese buyers since 2018, has already identified potential customers.
At the meeting, stakeholders agreed to prioritise the effective implementation of the Protocol and ensure that the agreement delivers measurable economic outcomes.
The Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership is expected to continue driving deeper economic cooperation between both countries, with increased Nigerian exports, foreign exchange generation and sustainable business opportunities identified as key outcomes of the new partnership.