China Unlocks Zero-Tariff Gateway for Nigerian Exports

By Linda Ike

Chinese President, Xi Jinping has announced that China will grant comprehensive zero-tariff access to products from 53 African nations with diplomatic ties, including Nigeria.

He made the disclosure at the 39th African Union Summit on February 14, with the policy starting May 1, 2026.

The bold move slashes entry barriers, boosts competitiveness, and opens China’s 1.4 billion-person market to high-quality Nigerian goods, delivering real development opportunities, not just rhetoric.

Nigeria stands to gain massively. As Africa’s largest economy with rich agricultural resources, the country is diversifying beyond raw exports. Zero tariffs supercharge this shift: sesame, ginger, cashew nuts, cocoa, cassava products, and seafood now have huge potential amid rising Chinese demand for healthy foods.

He said lower costs mean more orders, stable market access, and higher revenues for Nigerian businesses.

The policy drives deeper change. Reliable Chinese demand will draw foreign investment, spurring factories for processing and value-added production. This upgrades local industries, creates jobs, boosts farmer incomes, and builds expertise in packaging, logistics, quality control, and branding, transforming Nigeria from raw material supplier to processed goods powerhouse.

China and Nigeria are negotiating the Agreement on Economic Partnership for Shared Development to lock in these gains under WTO rules. Tailored to Nigeria’s needs, it paves the way for pragmatic cooperation in supply chains, digital economy, and industrial capacity, prioritizing Nigerian growth and livelihoods.

In a shaky global economy, China’s openness signals true win-win partnership. Governments must ease trade flows; businesses must elevate quality and brands.

China pledges support through exhibitions, promotions, and training. Together, as fellow developing nations chasing modernisation, let’s flood Chinese shelves with “Made in Nigeria” products, forging jobs, prosperity, and a brighter shared future.