Abuja: The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) has described China’s zero-tariff policy for African goods as a major opportunity for Nigeria’s exporters. Mr. Agabaidu Jideani, the Director-General of the chamber, made this statement in Abuja while reacting to China’s decision to remove tariffs on goods from 53 African countries.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the policy took effect on May 1. Jideani highlighted China’s tariff removal on African goods as a strategic opening for exporters, particularly Nigerians. He mentioned that the policy would strengthen Africa-China trade relations and enhance market access for Nigerian products. The organised private sector views the development with cautious optimism due to its economic implications for Nigeria.
The initiative presents an opportunity for Nigeria to expand exports into one of the world’s largest consumer markets. Sectors likely to benefit include agriculture, agro-processing, solid minerals, and light manufacturing. Jideani noted that improved market access could enhance the competitiveness of Nigerian products in China, supporting export diversification and increasing foreign exchange earnings.
However, he cautioned that market access alone would not guarantee market penetration for Nigerian businesses. Exporters must meet strict quality standards, packaging requirements, and supply consistency demanded by the Chinese market. To address these challenges, Jideani emphasised the need for government support to help businesses improve production quality and competitiveness. High production costs remain a significant challenge, limiting the capacity of Nigerian exporters.
Inadequate infrastructure and logistics bottlenecks continue to pose obstacles to export growth, along with limited access to affordable financing affecting local manufacturers and exporters. Jideani warned that Nigeria must guard against a widening trade imbalance despite the export opportunities created by the policy. Deliberate measures are needed to strengthen local production, promote value addition, and reduce excessive dependence on imports.
Boosting domestic industries and improving industrial capacity will help Nigeria maximise export opportunities while protecting local businesses and jobs. He called for coordinated action between government and the private sector to maximise the benefits of the initiative. Furthermore, he encouraged the government to implement export promotion policies, improve trade facilitation, and support businesses on standards certification and customs procedures.
Source: News Agency of Nigeria