Following the successful signing of the Protocol on the Export of Wild Aquatic Products between Nigeria and China, the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS) joined the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP) Office for a high-level roundtable discussion to chart the course for the effective implementation of the landmark agreement.
Welcoming the guest, the Director General of the Nigeria China Strategic Partnership Office Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe congratulated the Service on what he described as a landmark achievement in Nigeria’s agricultural trade relations. He noted that while the signing of the Protocol was historic, the real success would be measured by how effectively both countries translate the agreement into tangible economic benefits.
Highlighting the growing economic relationship between Nigeria and China, he disclosed that bilateral trade had already reached 18 billion dollars in the first half of 2026, compared to 28 billion dollars recorded throughout 2025, expressing confidence that total trade volume could rise to between 35 and 37 billion dollars by the end of the year. He further revealed that Nigeria’s contribution to the trade volume had increased by 80 percent, expressing optimism that exports of Nigerian aquatic products would record significant growth in the second half of the year.
In his remarks, the Comptroller General of NAQS, Dr. Vincent Isegbe, described the successful conclusion of the Protocol as a milestone made possible through resilience and sustained collaboration despite the challenges encountered during the negotiation process. He noted that the signing represents more than a ceremonial event, but a firm commitment between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the People’s Republic of China to strengthen agricultural trade through the implementation of internationally accepted sanitary and phytosanitary standards.
Dr. Isegbe reaffirmed NAQS’ readiness to fully implement the Protocol, assuring stakeholders that the Service would ensure only safe, quality and fully compliant Nigerian wild aquatic products are certified for export to the Chinese market.
Also speaking, the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria congratulated all parties involved in the successful conclusion of the negotiations and commended the commitment demonstrated throughout the process. He recalled China’s implementation of a zero-tariff policy on eligible Nigerian exports, including aquatic products, which took effect on 1 May 2026, noting that the policy would significantly reduce export costs, improve the competitiveness of Nigerian products in the Chinese market, and create greater opportunities for trade and investment between both countries.
The roundtable concluded 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, with the goal of expanding Nigeria’s non-oil exports, creating jobs and strengthening bilateral economic cooperation.
