Nigeria-China trade hits $18bn in H1 2026, up 80% in exports
Nigeria’s trade with China rose to $18 billion in the first half of 2026, representing about 64 per cent of the $28 billion recorded throughout 2025, the Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, has said.
Tegbe disclosed this while receiving the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, following the signing of the Nigeria-China Aquatic Products Protocol.
The agreement, concluded after nearly five years of negotiations, grants eligible Nigerian aquatic products zero-tariff access to China’s market of about 1.4 billion consumers.
The Federal Government said it would now focus on accelerating implementation of the protocol to increase Nigerian exports, generate foreign exchange and create more opportunities for businesses in the fisheries and aquatic products sector.
Tegbe said the volume of bilateral trade demonstrated the scale of economic opportunities available to both countries, urging Nigerian exporters to take advantage of the new market-access arrangement.
“Trade volume has reached $18 billion in the first half of 2026, compared to $28 billion for the entire year 2025,” he said.
The minister said effective implementation of the agreement could also support the advancement of other trade initiatives, including the proposed Zero Tariff Agreement for African countries, while strengthening the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership.
The Chinese ambassador said bilateral trade grew by 35 per cent in the first half of 2026, while Nigerian exports to China increased by 80 per cent during the period.
