As the People’s Republic of China marks the Spring Festival and a new Lunar Year, the Director-General of the Nigeria–China Strategic Partnership (NCSP), Joseph Tegbe, has framed the celebration around what he described as a transformative Zero-Tariff opportunity for Nigerian exports.
In a statement commemorating both the festival and 55 years of diplomatic ties between Nigeria and China, Tegbe said the Chinese government’s Zero-Tariff initiative for qualifying African exports represents a decisive shift from traditional trade patterns toward export-led industrial growth.
He noted that while Nigeria–China relations have historically focused on infrastructure cooperation and import-driven trade, the new preferential tariff regime opens a pathway for Nigerian producers to penetrate one of the world’s largest consumer markets without tariff barriers.
According to Tegbe, the Zero-Tariff window could significantly expand Nigeria’s non-oil exports, particularly in agro-processing, solid minerals, light manufacturing and value-added goods, if properly leveraged.
He said: “The Zero-Tariff initiative is more than a trade concession; it is a strategic economic opening,” adding that: “It gives Nigerian businesses a competitive edge in accessing the Chinese market and creates a viable route for export diversification, industrial upgrading and job creation.”
He stressed that the benefits, however, will not be automatic. Tegbe warned that Nigerian exporters must meet stringent quality standards, packaging requirements and phytosanitary regulations to compete effectively. He added that logistics efficiency, certification processes and coordinated government support will determine whether Nigeria converts preferential access into sustained export growth.
The NCSP, he disclosed, is working with public and private sector stakeholders to align production capacity with Chinese market demand, while strengthening compliance systems to meet international benchmarks.
Tegbe described the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations as a timely moment to recalibrate bilateral engagement toward measurable economic outcomes. Rather than relying predominantly on imports and infrastructure financing, he said Nigeria must position itself as a serious export partner within the evolving framework of China–Africa trade cooperation.
“As China celebrates renewal through the Spring Festival, Nigeria must seize this Zero-Tariff opportunity as the foundation of a new phase in bilateral relations—one driven by productivity, competitiveness and shared prosperity,” he stated.
It is believed that if the initiative is strategically implemented, it will add to narrowing Nigeria’s trade imbalance with China and reduce dependence on oil revenues, while strengthening domestic industries for long-term growth.
Michael Olugbode
Follow us on:
