Nigeria, China seal aquatic trade deal with zero-tariff access

A landmark accord eliminating tariffs on qualifying Nigerian seafood shipments to China has been formalized through the aquatic products protocol. Chinese Ambassador Yu Dunhai and Minister of Power Joseph Tegbe inked the agreement, positioning it as a catalyst for expanding Nigeria's exports and bolstering foreign exchange receipts.

Nearly five years of negotiations preceded this protocol's conclusion. Strong momentum in bilateral commerce provided the backdrop for this accord's finalization.

At $18 billion during H1 2026, Nigeria-China trade expanded by 35 percent in year-over-year terms. Ambassador Dunhai attributed this surge to China's adoption of zero-tariff treatment for African countries, effective from May 1, 2026.

The first-half 2026 total represented approximately 64 percent of the $28 billion exchanged throughout 2025. Access to China's 1.4 billion-strong consumer base constitutes the aquatic protocol's principal advantage, according to Minister Tegbe's characterization.

By eliminating tariff burdens, the agreement creates commercial prospects for Nigerian enterprises while simultaneously reducing export expenses. The accord's scope covers aquatic products meeting eligibility criteria established within the framework, although particulars regarding which categories or species qualify remain undisclosed by official sources.

Broader Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership objectives encompassing trade intensification are advanced through this protocol. Ambassador Dunhai's attendance at the signing ceremony reflected Beijing's endorsement of strengthened economic engagement with Nigeria.

Minister Tegbe stressed the importance of moving forward expeditiously with implementation, though timelines for the accord's operationalization were not disclosed in accessible remarks.