Power Minister Joseph Tegbe has urged local stakeholders to immediately operationalize the recently signed Nigeria-China Aquatic Products Protocol. By leveraging this agreement, he expects to see a surge in exports, improved foreign exchange revenue, and expanded growth prospects for Nigerian enterprises. The appeal followed a formal reception for Chinese Ambassador Yu Dunhai, where officials celebrated the deal that allows Nigerian aquatic goods duty-free entry into China’s massive market of 1.4 billion people.
Negotiations for this protocol spanned five years, marking a significant milestone in bilateral relations. Minister Tegbe noted that trade between the two nations reached $18 billion in the first half of 2026, building on the $28 billion total for the previous year. He believes this aquatic agreement will act as a catalyst for broader economic collaboration, including potential zero-tariff arrangements for other African goods.
Ambassador Yu committed to assisting Nigerian exporters in navigating market entry requirements. He commended Minister Tegbe’s leadership, highlighting that recent data shows a 35 percent increase in total trade and an 80 percent jump in Nigerian exports during the first half of 2026. Additionally, the ambassador pledged Chinese assistance in upgrading Nigeria’s energy infrastructure.
Dr. Vincent Isegbe, Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service, confirmed the agency is prepared to help exporters meet necessary compliance standards. Private sector entities, such as Atlantic Shrimpers, have already begun preparing for trade, noting that their long-term engagement with Chinese buyers since 2018 positions them to act quickly. The involved parties remain focused on ensuring this protocol delivers tangible economic benefits.
