The Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, has called for the swift implementation of the Nigeria-China Aquatic Products Protocol to enable Nigerian businesses to take advantage of zero-tariff access to China’s vast market.

Tegbe made the call during a courtesy visit and reception following the signing of the protocol by the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, alongside officials of the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS), Federal Ministry of Justice and the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP).

The agreement, concluded after nearly five years of negotiations, provides eligible Nigerian aquatic products with zero-tariff access to the Chinese market, which has about 1.4 billion consumers.

Tegbe said effective implementation would translate the agreement into increased exports, higher foreign exchange earnings and new opportunities for Nigerian businesses.

The minister commended the Chinese Embassy for its support of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership, noting that bilateral trade reached $18 billion in the first half of 2026, compared with $28 billion recorded throughout 2025.

He urged Nigerian exporters to move quickly to position their products in the Chinese market and said the success of the aquatic products agreement could accelerate other trade initiatives, including the proposed Zero Tariff Agreement for African countries.

The Chinese Ambassador reaffirmed his country’s commitment to supporting the implementation of the protocol and facilitating qualified Nigerian exports into China. Yu said bilateral trade increased by 35 per cent in the first half of 2026, while Nigerian exports to China rose by 80 per cent, indicating significant room for further economic cooperation.

The Comptroller-General of NAQS, Dr Vincent Isegbe, also pledged the agency’s support for exporters to meet the required standards and compliance conditions.

He identified opportunities for similar market-access agreements covering other agricultural and fishery products, stressing the potential of the global aquatic products market to significantly increase Nigeria’s exports to China.

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

Stakeholders therefore agreed to prioritise the implementation of the protocol and ensure that the agreement produces measurable gains in exports, foreign exchange earnings and sustainable business opportunities.