Nigeria is pushing to expand its fish and aquatic products trade after securing zero-tariff access to China’s market of about 1.4 billion consumers. In fact, Nigeria fish exports are set to benefit enormously from this arrangement. In response, the Federal Government is urging local exporters to take advantage of the opportunity.
According to The Punch, the move follows the conclusion of the Nigeria-China Aquatic Products Protocol. This protocol was agreed after nearly five years of negotiations between both countries.
The agreement allows eligible Nigerian aquatic products to enter the Chinese market without tariffs. Undoubtedly, the aim is to develop Nigeria fish exports as a key part of increasing non-oil exports, generating foreign exchange and creating opportunities for local businesses.
Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, called for immediate implementation of the agreement during a meeting with Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai. He also addressed other officials involved in the negotiations.
“The landmark agreement must be translated into higher exports, foreign exchange earnings and stronger opportunities for Nigerian businesses,” Tegbe said.
Nigeria fish exports target Chinese consumers
Tegbe urged Nigerian exporters to act quickly rather than allow the market opportunity created by the agreement to go underutilised.
The minister also said successful implementation could strengthen wider trade negotiations between Nigeria and China. Furthermore, Nigeria fish exports may be instrumental in supporting efforts around zero-tariff arrangements for African countries.
Nigeria-China trade has continued to grow, with trade volume reaching $18 billion in the first half of 2026. In contrast, the figure was $28 billion recorded throughout 2025.
Chinese Ambassador Yu Dunhai said Beijing remained committed to helping qualified Nigerian businesses gain access to the Chinese market.
“The 35-per-cent rise in bilateral trade and an 80-per-cent increase in Nigerian exports in H1 2026 are evidence of the untapped potential for cooperation with Nigeria,” Yu said.
He also pledged China’s continued support for broader economic cooperation with Nigeria. As a result, Nigeria fish exports are expected to see ongoing growth and expanded market presence.
Exporters prepare to enter Chinese market
The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service, Dr Vincent Isegbe, said the agency would support exporters in meeting the standards required under the agreement.
He said similar market-access arrangements could also be explored for other agricultural and fishery products.
“World aquatic products demand could double Nigeria’s exports to China if properly leveraged,” Isegbe said.
Private-sector operators are also positioning themselves to benefit from the agreement. Atlantic Shrimpers, which has engaged with the Chinese market since 2018, said it had already identified buyers and was ready to begin exporting.
Government officials and industry stakeholders agreed that attention would now shift from negotiations to implementation. There will be a focus on increasing exports and ensuring Nigerian businesses benefit from the newly opened Chinese market.
