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China’s Zero-Tariff Policy Will Boost Nigeria’s Non-Oil Exports – ACCI

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Director-General of ACCI, Agabaidu Jideani
Director-General of ACCI, Agabaidu Jideani

China’s Zero-Tariff Policy Will Boost Nigeria’s Non-Oil Exports – ACCI

The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry, ACCI, has described China’s zero-tariff policy on African goods as a major economic opportunity capable of boosting Nigeria’s non-oil exports, strengthening local industries and expanding trade relations between both countries.

The Director-General of ACCI, Agabaidu Jideani, stated this on Sunday in Abuja while reacting to China’s decision to eliminate tariffs on goods from 53 African countries under a renewed trade cooperation framework with Africa.

The tariff-free policy, which officially took effect on May 1, is expected to provide African exporters with easier access to the Chinese market, one of the world’s largest consumer economies.

Jideani said the organised private sector in Nigeria views the development with cautious optimism because of its potential impact on export growth, industrial expansion and foreign exchange earnings.

According to him, the policy presents a strategic opportunity for Nigerian exporters to penetrate the Chinese market with agricultural products, agro-processed goods, solid minerals and manufactured products.

He explained that sectors likely to benefit significantly from the initiative include agriculture, agro-processing, light manufacturing, leather production, textiles and mining.

“Nigeria has enormous export potential. Improved access to the Chinese market can significantly enhance the competitiveness of Nigerian products if businesses are able to meet international standards,” he said.

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The ACCI boss noted that products such as cocoa, sesame seeds, ginger, cashew nuts, rubber, hibiscus flower, lithium and other solid minerals could witness increased demand under the new trade arrangement.

He added that effective utilisation of the policy could help Nigeria reduce dependence on crude oil exports while diversifying revenue sources through increased non-oil trade.

China’s latest trade initiative forms part of broader economic cooperation agreements under the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, FOCAC, aimed at deepening commercial ties and promoting economic development across Africa.

Trade analysts believe the policy could improve Africa’s export competitiveness while encouraging more Chinese investments in infrastructure, manufacturing and industrial development on the continent.

Despite the opportunities, Jideani warned that tariff removal alone would not automatically guarantee market success for Nigerian exporters.

He stressed that businesses must meet strict Chinese quality standards, improve packaging, ensure product certification and maintain consistent supply chains to compete effectively in the Asian market.

According to him, many Nigerian exporters still face major obstacles, including high production costs, poor infrastructure, unstable electricity supply, logistics bottlenecks and limited access to affordable financing.

He noted that inefficient port operations and delays in customs processing continue to affect the competitiveness of Nigerian exports globally.

Jideani also warned against the risk of widening trade imbalance between Nigeria and China if deliberate steps are not taken to strengthen domestic production capacity.

He urged the Federal Government to prioritise industrial development policies capable of supporting local manufacturers and encouraging value addition before export.

“There is a need for Nigeria to strengthen local production, promote value addition and reduce excessive dependence on imports,” he said.

The ACCI director-general further called for stronger collaboration between government agencies and the private sector to help businesses maximise the benefits of the policy.

He recommended improved export promotion policies, better trade facilitation systems, support for standards certification and simplified customs procedures to enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness in international trade.

Economic experts have argued that Nigeria’s non-oil export sector could witness major expansion if local industries receive adequate government support to scale production and improve quality standards.

The chamber expressed optimism that with proper implementation, the zero-tariff initiative could open a new phase of economic opportunities for Nigerian exporters seeking access to global markets.

China’s Zero-Tariff Policy Will Boost Nigeria’s Non-Oil Exports – ACCI

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Dangote Considers Kenya for $17bn East Africa Refinery Project

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Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote
Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote

Dangote Considers Kenya for $17bn East Africa Refinery Project

Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, is considering Kenya as the leading location for a proposed 650,000-barrel-per-day oil refinery in East Africa, in what could become one of the region’s biggest industrial investments. The project, under the Dangote Group, is estimated to cost between $15 billion and $17 billion, according to reports from international outlets including the Financial Times and Reuters.

Dangote said Kenya’s coastal city of Mombasa currently stands out as the most attractive option due to its deep-water port infrastructure, which is essential for handling large volumes of crude oil imports and exporting refined products. He explained that the port’s capacity gives Kenya a strong logistical advantage for a refinery of this scale.

The proposal is unfolding alongside wider regional discussions in East Africa, where governments are also considering developing a joint refinery at Tanzania’s Tanga port. Kenyan President William Ruto has confirmed that East African countries are exploring collaborative energy projects aimed at reducing dependence on imported fuel and strengthening regional energy security.

Dangote, however, noted that Kenya appears to have a stronger economic case for the investment. He pointed out that Kenya’s larger fuel consumption and broader market size make it more attractive for a refinery project of this magnitude.

The businessman also stressed that the final decision will depend heavily on government support and policy direction, particularly from Kenya’s leadership. He indicated that regulatory approvals, investment incentives, and infrastructure readiness would ultimately determine where the refinery is built.

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If completed, the refinery would be one of the largest oil and gas infrastructure projects in East Africa, with a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day and a total cost potentially reaching $17 billion. It would closely mirror the structure of the Lagos-based Dangote refinery, which has already reshaped West Africa’s petroleum supply chain.

East Africa currently depends heavily on imported refined petroleum products, mostly from the Middle East. This reliance has contributed to fuel price volatility and periodic supply disruptions, prompting renewed interest in domestic refining capacity to strengthen energy security.

At an infrastructure summit in Nairobi, Dangote previously expressed readiness to replicate his Nigerian refinery model across Africa, provided governments create an enabling environment. The proposed East African refinery forms part of his broader strategy to expand industrial capacity across the continent and reduce dependence on imported fuel products.

Dangote Considers Kenya for $17bn East Africa Refinery Project

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Dangote Refinery Opens 2026 Graduate Trainee Programme For Young Professionals

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Dangote Refinery
Dangote Refinery

Dangote Refinery Opens 2026 Graduate Trainee Programme For Young Professionals

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals has officially announced its 2026 Graduate Trainee Programme, an 18-month structured training initiative designed to develop young Nigerian graduates for careers in the oil and gas industry. The company said the programme will expose participants to real-time refinery operations while preparing them for global-standard industrial roles.

In its statement, the refinery explained that the programme is aimed at offering graduates the opportunity to learn, grow and contribute within a global business environment. It added that successful candidates will be integrated into various departments of the refinery where they will receive hands-on training from experienced professionals.

According to the company, trainees will rotate across different operational and support units throughout the 18-month period, giving them broad exposure to refinery processes, technical systems and corporate operations within one of Africa’s largest energy facilities.

Eligibility and Requirements

The eligibility criteria for the Dangote Refinery 2026 Graduate Trainee Programme include the following:

  • Applicants must be 28 years and below
  • Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree, HND, or diploma in relevant fields
  • Applicants must demonstrate academic competence and readiness for industrial training in a high-performance environment

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Technical Roles Requirements

Candidates applying for technical positions must have qualifications in any of the following disciplines:

  • Chemical Engineering
  • Production Engineering
  • Mining Engineering
  • Geological Sciences
  • Laboratory Sciences
  • Biochemistry

Technical Support Roles Requirements

Applicants seeking technical support roles are required to have qualifications in:

  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Instrumentation Engineering
  • Power Engineering

Support Function Roles Requirements

Candidates applying for support and administrative roles must have degrees or HNDs in any of the following areas:

  • Accounting and Finance
  • Social Sciences
  • Humanities
  • Business Administration
  • Law
  • Information Technology

The company noted that these categories are designed to ensure a balanced intake of talent across operational, technical and administrative functions within the refinery.

Training Structure and Opportunities

The programme will expose trainees to multiple departments including operations, maintenance, laboratory services, finance and corporate support functions. This structure is intended to equip participants with both technical expertise and managerial competence.

Industry analysts say the programme aligns with the Dangote Group’s broader strategy of building a skilled workforce to support its expanding operations at the Lekki-based refinery, which is among the largest in the world.

The initiative is also viewed as part of efforts to tackle youth unemployment by creating structured entry points into Nigeria’s industrial and energy sectors.

The company added that further details regarding application procedures and deadlines will be released through its official recruitment channels.

As of the time of filing this report, the 2026 Dangote Refinery Graduate Trainee Programme remains one of the most anticipated industrial recruitment opportunities in Nigeria.

Dangote Refinery Opens 2026 Graduate Trainee Programme For Young Professionals

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Meet Jetour G700: The 904HP Luxury beast shaking SUV world

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Meet Jetour G700: The 904HP Luxury beast shaking SUV world

The battle for dominance in the premium SUV market just got fiercer as the Jetour G700 arrives with an outrageous 904-horsepower hybrid powertrain, futuristic luxury features and off-road capabilities designed to embarrass conventional rivals.

Far from being another luxury SUV, the G700 positions itself as a rolling statement of excess, power and cutting-edge engineering — a machine equally comfortable cruising through city boulevards or charging across unforgiving terrain.

At nearly 5.2 metres long, the G700 announces itself with unapologetic aggression.

Its boxy silhouette, towering stance, oversized grille and sharp matrix LED headlamps give it the presence of a military-grade explorer wrapped in executive styling.

But the real drama begins beneath the bodywork.

Powering the SUV is Jetour’s Kunpeng Super Hybrid CDM-O system, which combines a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine with dual electric motors to unleash a staggering 904 horsepower and 1,135Nm of torque.

Those numbers translate into astonishing performance for a vehicle of its size. The G700 rockets from 0 to 100km/h in just 4.6 seconds — territory usually reserved for elite supercars rather than heavyweight SUVs.

Despite its brutal acceleration, the G700 is engineered for endurance. It boasts a driving range of up to 1,400 kilometres, allowing long-distance adventures with fewer charging or refuelling stops.

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Jetour also ensures the vehicle is far more than a straight-line performer.

Its adaptive suspension system, triple differential locks and 970mm wading depth equip it for serious off-road punishment, from rocky trails to flood-prone roads. Adding to its arsenal is the eye-catching “Tank Turn” technology, enabling the SUV to rotate sharply in tight spaces like a military vehicle.

Inside, the G700 swaps rugged toughness for first-class indulgence.

A massive 35.4-inch 3K panoramic display dominates the cabin, creating a futuristic cockpit atmosphere, while premium Nappa leather massage seats deliver limousine-level comfort for occupants.

The luxury experience is amplified by an 18-speaker Lexicon sound system with Dolby Atmos, transforming the interior into a private concert hall on wheels.

Jetour pushes the innovation even further with a suite of unusual features aimed at adventure-focused buyers.

Certain editions come with rear turboprop assistance capable of generating additional thrust for escaping deep mud, while an onboard refrigerator drawer can cool drinks to -6°C or keep meals warm at 50°C.

An integrated oxygen supply system also supports driving at high altitudes, reinforcing the SUV’s long-distance expedition credentials.

Industry observers say the G700 signals Jetour’s intention to aggressively challenge established luxury SUV brands by combining electrified performance, premium comfort and hardcore off-road ability in one package.

The G700 is available in Nigeria through accredited dealerships including Elizade Nigeria Limited, New Era AutoVehicle Services Ltd, Kojo Motors, Germaine Auto Centre and Tab Autos Ltd, R.T. Briscoe and Mandilas Motors.

 

Meet Jetour G700: The 904HP Luxury beast shaking SUV world

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