Nigeria Eyes Bigger Agric Exports to China as Zero-Tariff Deal Lifts Trade 80%

News in Brief

— Chinese imports from Nigeria jumped 80% to $2.3 billion in the first half of 2026, driven by China's new zero-tariff policy for 53 African countries.

— The FG says Nigerian farmers and exporters must improve processing, quality and logistics to convert the tariff-free access into lasting agricultural export gains.

Nigeria's agricultural exporters have a fresh opening to grow their business with China, after new figures showed Chinese imports from Nigeria jumped 80% to $2.3 billion in the first half of 2026. The surge follows Beijing's decision to scrap tariffs on goods from 53 African countries, including Nigeria, from May 1, 2026.

The Federal Government claimed that this tariff-free access is a major prospect to grow farm exports. However, it is warning that Nigerian producers must improve processing and quality to maintain the gains.

Nigeria Needs to Export Better

Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, stated that Nigeria's real task is not just to sell more to China, but to sell smarter.

"The question before us, therefore, is not, can Nigeria export more? The question should be, can Nigeria export better?" he asked at a seminar on China's zero-tariff policy and its impact on Africa's economy.

Abdullahi declared that Nigeria could grow exports of processed cassava, premium rice, spices, hibiscus, cashew blends, soybean products, fruits and vegetables, once they meet international quality standards.

He cautioned that free market access alone would not deliver results.

"Zero tariffs alone do not guarantee success. Ladies and gentlemen, while the removal of tariffs creates opportunity, opportunities alone do not create prosperity," he said.

The minister listed enhanced farm productivity, modern processing plants, efficient logistics, quality checks, product traceability, affordable financing, storage and export certification as areas that Nigerian exporters still need to fix. He also stressed that Nigerian goods must meet China's sanitary and safety rules to stay in the market.

Real Savings for Nigerian Exporters

Yu Dunhai, Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, said the zero-tariff policy is already paying off for Nigerian traders. He mentioned total Nigeria-China trade hit $18 billion in the first half of 2026, up 35% year-on-year.

Meanwhile, Chinese imports from Nigeria specifically rose 80% to $2.3 billion, with monthly growth above 40% in both May and June.

He stated that every 100 tonnes of sesame exported to China now saves about $11,000 in costs, Nigeria's yearly export of 7,000 tonnes of cattle bone granules saves close to $450,000, and a single 23,000-tonne shipment of Nigerian liquefied propane saved about $300,000 in taxes on the first day the policy took effect.

Yu urged Nigerian businesses to improve product quality, strengthen supply chains, expand local processing and build stronger trade partnerships with China to hold on to these gains.

Government Push for Value Addition

The Nigerian government announced agricultural processing expansion through the Special Agro-Processing Zones (SAPZ) Project, which converts raw farm produce into higher-value goods for local and export markets.

Representing Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Permanent Secretary Dunoma Ahmed said Nigeria wants investors who build factories and create jobs, not just those who extract raw materials.

"Our natural resources must become the starting point, not the end point, of economic activity," he said.

Ja'afaru Yakubu, Chairman of the House Committee on Nigeria-China Relations, said the deal could help Nigeria diversify exports and strengthen manufacturing. He, however, flagged weak infrastructure, limited financing and visa bottlenecks for traders, especially those in Kano and northern Nigeria, as obstacles that still need mending.

Charles Onunaiju, Director of the Centre for China Studies, which organised the seminar with the Chinese Embassy, said Africa should treat the zero-tariff deal as a starting point, not a finish line, for building stronger farm and industrial value chains.