ACCI President Calls on Nigerian Exporters to Take Advantage of China’s Zero‑Tariff Market to Boost Competitiveness

Yesterday, Chief Emeka Obegolu, President of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry, described China’s newly announced zero‑tariff policy for African countries as a strategic opening that could reshape Nigeria’s export performance.

He said the initiative could accelerate Nigeria’s industrialisation and strengthen trade relations between Africa and China.

The zero‑tariff policy for 53 African countries was announced by Chinese President Xi Jinping on 14 February 2026, during the 39th African Union Summit, with implementation commencing on 1 May 2026.

Responding to China’s policy, Obegolu said it represented a deliberate shift toward more balanced global trade relations and offers African economies a rare chance to expand their participation in international markets on better terms.

He noted that for Nigeria, the development arrives at a critical time when economic diversification and the expansion of non‑oil exports have become urgent national priorities.

The ACCI president stressed that Nigeria must respond proactively by scaling up the production and export of value‑added goods instead of continuing to rely on primary commodities.

He said priority export segments should include cocoa and cocoa derivatives, sesame seeds, cashew nuts, ginger, leather products, textiles, and other agro‑processed goods that are in strong demand in China.

Obegolu reaffirmed the chamber’s commitment—as the leading organised private‑sector voice in the Federal Capital Territory and its environs—to mobilise businesses, SMEs and investors to build competitive export value chains that meet international quality standards.

He further observed that the zero‑tariff arrangement could improve the price competitiveness of Nigerian exports, expand market access and generate higher foreign‑exchange earnings.

He added that, if properly harnessed, the policy could also catalyse job creation, industrial expansion and SME development.

Obegolu cautioned that the benefits would only be fully realised if Nigeria addresses structural constraints in its