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

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