Tegbe Urges Swift Implementation of Nigeria-China Aquatic Products Protocol

 Tegbe Urges Swift Implementation of Nigeria-China Aquatic Products Protocol

The Honourable Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, has called for the swift implementation of the Nigeria-China Aquatic Products Protocol, urging Nigerian businesses to move quickly to harness the agreement’s potential for increased exports, foreign exchange earnings and economic growth.

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 landmark Nigeria-China Aquatic Products Protocol.

The Ambassador was accompanied by Zhu Songbo, Chief of Political Section at the Chinese Embassy; the Deputy Director of the Embassy’s 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 the Chinese envoy for his continued support for the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP), particularly efforts to deepen trade and business relations between both countries.

The Minister noted that bilateral trade between Nigeria and China had reached $18 billion in the first half of 2026, compared with $28 billion recorded throughout 2025.

He said the successful implementation of the aquatic products agreement could serve as a catalyst for other trade initiatives, including the Zero Tariff Agreement for African countries.

Tegbe therefore urged Nigerian exporters and relevant stakeholders to move swiftly to take advantage of the new market-access opportunity.

Speaking on the agreement, Ambassador Yu reaffirmed the Chinese Embassy’s commitment to supporting its implementation and facilitating access for qualified Nigerian exporters seeking to enter the Chinese market.

He described Tegbe’s appointment as a reflection of his leadership, vision and pragmatism, while highlighting the significant growth recorded in bilateral economic relations.

According to the Ambassador, 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 same period, indicating considerable room for further expansion.

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

On its part, the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service reaffirmed its readiness to provide the necessary compliance support to exporters seeking to access the Chinese market.

NAQS Comptroller-General, Dr Vincent Isegbe, also identified opportunities for similar market-access agreements covering other agricultural and fishery products.

Isegbe noted that the growing global demand for aquatic products could significantly increase Nigeria’s exports to China if the opportunity created by the new protocol was properly leveraged.

The private sector also expressed readiness to immediately take advantage of the agreement. Atlantic Shrimpers, which has been engaging with the Chinese market since 2018, disclosed that it was prepared to commence exports and had already identified prospective buyers.

Stakeholders at the meeting agreed to prioritise the effective implementation of the protocol and ensure that the agreement produces measurable economic outcomes.

They further reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership to deepening bilateral economic cooperation, expanding Nigeria’s export base and creating sustainable opportunities for Nigerian businesses.