Nigeria is officially targeting China’s massive 1.4 billion-consumer market following the signing of an aquatic products agreement. This new deal allows Nigerian fish and other seafood to enter China with zero tariffs, providing a significant opportunity for the country to expand its export reach.
•Nigeria has signed a new aquatic products agreement with China, granting Nigerian seafood zero-tariff access to the Chinese market.
•The Federal Government is urging local exporters to capitalize quickly on this opportunity to boost export earnings.
•The Nigeria-China Aquatic Products Protocol took nearly five years to negotiate and is expected to enhance trade relations.
•The Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service will help exporters meet China’s quality and safety standard.
The Federal Government is now urging local exporters to move quickly to take advantage of this access, which aims to boost foreign exchange earnings and create stronger opportunities for Nigerian businesses.
The agreement, known as the Nigeria-China Aquatic Products Protocol, was finalized after nearly five years of detailed negotiations. During a recent reception following the signing, the Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, called for the “swift implementation” of the protocol.
He emphasized that the deal must be translated into measurable outcomes that benefit the national economy and strengthen the strategic partnership between the two nations.
A milestone in trade relations
This protocol arrives during a period of rapid growth in trade between Nigeria and China. In the first half of 2026 alone, trade volume reached $18 billion, a notable figure considering the total trade for the entire year of 2025 was $28 billion.
This suggests that the economic relationship is accelerating, with Nigerian exports specifically seeing an 80 percent increase in the first half of 2026.
According to the Punch news report, “World aquatic products demand could double Nigeria’s exports to China if properly leveraged.”
This quote reveals the incredible potential for the country to grow its wealth if local exporters take full advantage of this new door opening to the Chinese market.
Opportunities for growth and the private sector
The impact of this deal is expected to be felt across the private sector. The Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS) has committed to supporting exporters to ensure their products meet the necessary standards for the Chinese market.
Dr. Vincent Isegbe, the head of NAQS, stated that his team is committed to helping businesses ensure their products meet the high quality and safety standards required by China.
This support is vital because it ensures that Nigerian seafood is accepted and valued by Chinese customers, which will help build a reliable reputation for Nigerian goods.
Businesses are already lining up to participate. For example, Atlantic Shrimpers, a private firm that has been engaging with the Chinese market since 2018, has already identified buyers and is ready to begin exports.
With the government and the private sector working together, this protocol serves as a foundation for sustainable economic cooperation and increased prosperity for Nigerian seafood producers.
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