The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS), Dr. Vincent Isegbe, has hosted a delegation from the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Abuja to strengthen bilateral cooperation on agricultural trade, quarantine systems, and market access on Tuesday.
The Chinese delegation, led by Counselor Minister Wang Yingji, included Counselor Sun Xirekun, Second Secretary He Zhengbiao, and Second Secretary Duan Yun. The meeting focused on expanding agricultural trade between both countries and enhancing collaboration on sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) standards.
A key highlight of the discussions was the ongoing process toward signing the Protocol on the Export of Wild Aquatic Resources from Nigeria to China, an initiative aimed at opening the Chinese market to Nigerian aquatic products.
According to NAQS, the agreement is expected to significantly boost the volume and value of Nigeria’s aquatic exports, create new opportunities for exporters, strengthen the fisheries value chain, generate employment, and increase the country’s non-oil export earnings.
Both sides also explored ways to facilitate the export of more Nigerian agricultural commodities to China by improving compliance with international SPS standards, enhancing quarantine cooperation, and addressing technical requirements needed to access China’s vast consumer market.
Dr. Isegbe reaffirmed NAQS’ commitment to working closely with Chinese authorities to promote safe agricultural trade, safeguard plant and animal health, and support Nigerian exporters in meeting destination-country requirements.
He noted that expanding international market access for Nigerian agricultural products aligns with the Federal Government’s economic diversification agenda, efforts to boost non-oil exports, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Chinese delegation commended NAQS for its sustained efforts in strengthening Nigeria’s agricultural biosecurity and expanding cooperation aimed at promoting agricultural trade between both countries.
