Nigeria urged to boost production and exports under China's zero-tariff policy

Nigeria's Federal Government is calling on domestic businesses to significantly increase production and exports, urging them to capitalize on China's zero-tariff policy. This initiative grants African nations duty-free access to the vast Chinese market for all tariff lines, presenting a substantial opportunity for economic growth.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, highlighted this potential during an international seminar in Abuja. She described the policy as a "game-changer" for key Nigerian sectors, including agro-processing, textiles, solid minerals, and manufacturing. With access to China's market of approximately 1.4 billion people, Nigeria can potentially expand its exports, create jobs, and foster industrial development.

“

Zero tariff is meaningless if we have nothing to export.

However, the Minister stressed that the zero-tariff benefit is contingent on Nigeria's ability to supply goods. "Zero tariff is meaningless if we have nothing to export," she stated, emphasizing the critical need to strengthen the country's productive capacity. Nigeria must shift its focus from exporting raw commodities to producing and exporting value-added products. This includes processed agricultural goods, textiles, leather items, pharmaceuticals, and manufactured goods.

To facilitate this transition, the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission and other relevant agencies are set to collaborate with Chinese investors. The goal is to establish factories within Nigeria, enabling the local production of goods specifically for export to the Chinese market. This strategic approach aims to maximize the benefits of the zero-tariff policy and drive sustainable economic development.

“

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, gave the charge in a message to participants at an international seminar organised by the Centre for China Studies in Abuja.