The Honourable 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 stronger opportunities for Nigerian businesses.
Tegbe made the call during a courtesy visit and reception following the signing of the Nigeria-China Aquatic 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 the 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.
The Protocol, concluded after nearly five years of negotiations, grants eligible Nigerian aquatic products zero-tariff access to China's market of 1.4 billion consumers.
Welcoming Ambassador Yu, the Minister thanked him for his continued support for the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP) and its efforts to strengthen trade and business relations between both countries.
Tegbe noted that Nigeria-China trade had reached $18 billion in the first half of 2026, compared with $28 billion for the whole of 2025. He said effective implementation of the Protocol would help fast-track other initiatives, including the Zero Tariff Agreement for African countries, and urged Nigerian exporters to move quickly to take advantage of the new market opportunity.
Ambassador Yu reaffirmed the Embassy's commitment to supporting the implementation of the agreement and facilitating the entry of qualified Nigerian exports into the Chinese market.
He described the Minister's appointment as a testament to his leadership, vision and pragmatism. The Ambassador cited a 35-percent rise in bilateral trade and an 80-percent increase in Nigerian exports in the first half of 2026 as evidence of the significant untapped potential for greater cooperation between Nigeria and China.
He also assured the Minister of the Chinese government's support as Nigeria seeks to modernise and expand its power system.
In his remarks, NAQS Comptroller-General Dr Vincent Isegbe reaffirmed the Service's commitment to providing compliance support to Nigerian exporters. He also highlighted the potential for similar market-access agreements covering other agricultural and fishery products.
Isegbe noted that global demand for aquatic products could double Nigeria's exports to China if the opportunity is properly leveraged.
Representing the private sector, Atlantic Shrimpers said it was ready to commence exports to China, noting that its engagement with the Chinese market dates back to 2018 and that it had already identified buyers.
Stakeholders agreed to prioritise the swift implementation of the Protocol and focus on measurable outcomes, with the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership expected to continue driving deeper economic cooperation, increased exports and sustainable opportunities for Nigerian businesses.
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