Tegbe: Nigeria-China Trade Reached $18bn in H1 2026
• China records 80% rise in Nigerian exports, 35% growth in bilateral trade Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja Nigeria-China trade reached $18 billion in the first half of 2026, equivalent to
China's trade with Nigeria surged 80% to $18 billion in the first half of 2026, making up 64% of the $28 billion recorded throughout the previous year, according to Nigerian Minister of Power Joseph Tegbe. This growth follows the signing of a new agreement granting Nigerian aquatic products zero-tariff access to China's massive consumer market.
The Nigeria-China Aquatic Products Protocol, reached after five years of negotiations, aims to lower trade barriers, boost exports, and create opportunities for local businesses. Tegbe emphasized the need to capitalize on the existing $18 billion trade volume, as the Protocol could lead to further increases in Nigerian exports and potentially fast-track initiatives like the Zero Tariff Agreement for African countries.
Chinese Ambassador Yu Dunhai highlighted the untapped potential in the relationship and pledged China's support for Nigeria's power system modernization. The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service, Dr Vincent Isegbe, assured exporters of assistance in meeting compliance and sanitary requirements. The private sector, represented by Atlantic Shrimpers, expressed readiness to benefit from the agreement, with the company already identifying buyers for Chinese exports.
Stakeholders agreed that implementation should focus on measurable export outcomes and increased foreign exchange earnings for Nigerian businesses.
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