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The Director-General of the Nigeria–China Strategic Partnership (NCSP), Joseph Tegbe, has described the Zero-Tariff Agreement between Nigeria and China as a strategic breakthrough that could unlock new export opportunities and accelerate industrial growth.
According to Tegbe, the arrangement offers Nigerian producers improved access to one of the world’s largest consumer markets, providing a practical pathway for export diversification, expanded manufacturing capacity, and job creation. However, he emphasised that fully harnessing the opportunity would depend on disciplined implementation, strict adherence to quality standards, and active participation from the private sector.
He noted that the NCSP is collaborating closely with key stakeholders to ensure Nigeria capitalises on the preferential trade framework, transforming diplomatic goodwill into measurable economic outcomes.
Tegbe also extended congratulations to the Chinese government and citizens on the Spring Festival, highlighting that this year’s celebration coincides with the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between both nations. Diplomatic ties, established in 1971, have since evolved into one of Africa’s most significant bilateral economic partnerships.
Now elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, cooperation between Nigeria and China spans infrastructure development, trade, industrial investment, technology transfer, and people-to-people exchanges.
China remains one of Nigeria’s largest trading partners and has played a central role in supporting major infrastructure projects, including rail, port, power, and industrial developments that have strengthened national connectivity and productive capacity.
Tegbe described the current phase of engagement as a “new dawn,” marked by a strategic shift toward higher-value economic integration and export-led growth. He identified China’s Zero-Tariff initiative for eligible African exports—including Nigerian goods—as a transformative platform to boost non-oil exports and deepen local value addition.
“As we mark 55 years of diplomatic relations, the renewal symbolised by the Spring Festival reflects the next chapter of Nigeria–China cooperation—one focused on deeper economic integration, industrial upgrading, and shared prosperity,” he stated.
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