Nigeria, China Move to Boost Aquatic Exports as NAQS Begins Implementation of Landmark Trade Protocol
Nigeria, China Move to Boost Aquatic Exports as NAQS Begins Implementation of Landmark Trade Protocol
Nigeria, China Move to Boost Aquatic Exports as NAQS Begins Implementation of Landmark Trade Protocol
The Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS) has joined the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP) Office for a high-level roundtable aimed at ensuring the effective implementation of the newly signed Protocol on the Export of Wild Aquatic Products between Nigeria and China.
The engagement followed the successful conclusion of negotiations and signing of the protocol, which is expected to open new opportunities for Nigerian aquatic products in the Chinese market and strengthen the country’s non-oil export sector.
Welcoming participants, the Director-General of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership Office, Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, described the agreement as a landmark achievement in Nigeria’s agricultural trade relations with China.
Tegbe, however, noted that the significance of the agreement would ultimately depend on its effective implementation and its ability to translate into tangible economic benefits for Nigerian businesses, farmers, exporters and the wider economy.
He highlighted the growing volume of trade between Nigeria and China, disclosing that bilateral trade had reached $18 billion in the first half of 2026, compared with $28 billion recorded throughout 2025.
He expressed optimism that total bilateral trade could rise to between $35 billion and $37 billion by the end of 2026, while noting that Nigeria’s contribution to the trade volume had increased by about 80 per cent.
According to him, the opening of the Chinese market to Nigerian wild aquatic products presents an important opportunity to further increase Nigeria’s export earnings and diversify the country’s sources of foreign exchange.
NAQS Pledges Strict Compliance with Export Standards
The Comptroller-General of NAQS, Dr. Vincent Isegbe, described the successful conclusion of the protocol as a major milestone achieved through resilience, technical engagement and sustained collaboration between the two countries.
Isegbe stressed that the agreement went beyond a ceremonial trade arrangement, describing it as a firm commitment by Nigeria and China to strengthen agricultural commerce while ensuring compliance with internationally recognised sanitary and phytosanitary standards.
He reaffirmed NAQS’ readiness to implement the protocol effectively, assuring stakeholders that the Service would ensure that only safe, high-quality and fully compliant Nigerian wild aquatic products are certified for export to the Chinese market.
He said adherence to international standards would be critical to maintaining consumer confidence, protecting Nigeria’s reputation in the global market and ensuring the long-term sustainability of aquatic exports.
China Highlights Zero-Tariff Opportunity
The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria also congratulated the Nigerian and Chinese authorities involved in the successful negotiations, commending their commitment throughout the process.
The Ambassador highlighted China’s zero-tariff policy on eligible Nigerian exports, including aquatic products, which took effect on 1 May 2026.
The policy, he noted, would help reduce the cost of exporting eligible Nigerian products to China, improve their competitiveness and create additional opportunities for Nigerian businesses to expand their presence in the Chinese market.
The development is expected to strengthen trade and investment ties between both countries while creating opportunities for Nigerian exporters operating across the aquatic value chain.
Focus Shifts to Implementation
The roundtable ended with a shared commitment by NAQS, the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership Office and the Chinese Government to work closely towards the seamless implementation of the protocol.
The stakeholders identified effective implementation, regulatory compliance and sustained institutional cooperation as critical to unlocking the full potential of the agreement.
The initiative is expected to contribute to the expansion of Nigeria’s non-oil exports, create employment opportunities, support businesses across the aquatic value chain and deepen Nigeria-China economic cooperation.
With the agreement now moving from negotiation to implementation, stakeholders are looking to translate the new market access into increased exports, stronger Nigerian businesses and greater economic value for the country.
Nigeria, China Move to Boost Aquatic Exports as NAQS Begins Implementation of Landmark Trade Protocol
