Nigeria’s bilateral trade with China reached $18 billion in the first half of 2026, while eligible Nigerian aquatic products secured zero-tariff access to the Chinese market of about 1.4 billion consumers.
The development follows the signing of the Nigeria-China Aquatic Products Protocol, which is expected to expand Nigerian exports and create opportunities for increased foreign exchange earnings. Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, also disclosed that Nigerian exports to China rose by 80 per cent during the first half of the year.
The figures were disclosed during a courtesy visit and reception hosted for Ambassador Yu by the Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, following the signing of the protocol.
The ministry said the agreement was concluded after nearly five years of negotiations. It grants eligible Nigerian aquatic products zero-tariff access to the Chinese market, potentially improving their competitiveness among consumers and businesses in the Asian country.
Welcoming the ambassador, Tegbe expressed appreciation for China’s continued support for the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership and efforts to deepen trade and business relations between both countries.
The minister noted that Nigeria-China trade had reached $18 billion in H1 2026, compared with $28 billion recorded for the whole of 2025. He said implementation of the aquatic products agreement would further strengthen economic ties and could accelerate other initiatives, including the Zero Tariff Agreement for African countries.
Tegbe subsequently urged Nigerian exporters and businesses to move quickly to take advantage of the new market-access opportunity. The call places emphasis on the ability of Nigerian businesses to meet the requirements for accessing the Chinese market and take advantage of the tariff concessions.
Ambassador Yu reaffirmed the Chinese Embassy’s commitment to supporting implementation of the protocol and facilitating the entry of qualified Nigerian aquatic products into China. He described Tegbe’s appointment as a testament to his leadership, vision and pragmatism. The ambassador also cited a 35 per cent increase in bilateral trade and an 80 per cent rise in Nigerian exports during the first half of 2026 as indications of the potential for further cooperation.
The agreement comes as Nigeria seeks to expand its export base and strengthen economic relations with major trading partners. For aquatic producers and exporters, zero-tariff access could improve the prospects for entering a market with about 1.4 billion consumers.
Beyond trade, Ambassador Yu assured the minister of the Chinese government’s support for Nigeria’s efforts to modernise and expand its power system. The commitment adds an energy-sector dimension to the broader economic relationship between both countries. The implementation of the aquatic products protocol and the response of Nigerian exporters will determine how significantly the new market access translates into increased exports and stronger Nigeria-China trade.
